In the late 1970s, in the middle of the Vallée des Fées (the Valley of  the Fairies), two brothers-in-law, Pierre Gobron and Chris Bauweraerts decided to create their own beer in the garage belonging to Chris’ mother-in-law. With the little money they had at the time, they began what the brewery’s fans now call the “Chouffe Story”. The 1st brew of 49 litres was produced on 27 August 1982.

By 1992 production had risen from 3,400 hectolitres to 5,000 hectolitres per year.  The brewery had invested in a new brewing house so that they could increase each brew from 22 hectolitres to 70 hectolitres. At the time, the Achouffe Brewery only produced large, 75cl bottles and “small” 20L barrels of La Chouffe and McChouffe. The 33cl bottles only appeared in May 2009.

La Chouffe Blonde is a light and pale offering. The nose is subtle citrus with a growing swirl of ethanol emerging from the depths of the glass. The taste is equally subtle, with hints of banana and cloves in the ephemeral blend. The after taste drifts through a haunting tone of banana bread before leaving a note of hops. 

This poignant brew suffers from the fact it is often compared to more weighty contributors, the crisp lightness makes this a perfect summer staple and she can be enjoyed in her own right.

The Chouffe website can be browsed here