Delirium Tremens
Brewery
Brouwerij Huyghe
Name of Beer
Delirium Tremens
Style
Location
A.B.V.
8.5%
Beeradvocate Score
92
Delirium Tremens Description
Delirium Tremens is the flagship beer of Huyghe Brewery, founded in 1906 in Melle, Belgium, and introduced to high acclaim in 1987. This Belgian Strong Pale Ale is brewed at 8.5% ABV using three different types of yeast and features the iconic pink elephant logo on distinctive ceramic bottles. The beer was once banned in the US because its provocative name was thought to encourage overindulgence, but has since become the best-selling exported Belgian specialty beer worldwide.
According to legend, a Belgian tax collector named the beer after feeling himself gradually slipping into unexpected drunkenness, declaring he would get delirium tremens if he continued drinking. The brewery refocused in 1985 to concentrate on high-quality, high-alcohol specialty ales, and Delirium Tremens has won multiple international awards, including Gold at the 2021 Frankfurt International Trophy and 2020 World Beer Awards.
Delirium Tremens Tasting Notes
Delirium Tremens pours a pale golden color with a frothy white head and delicate, regular sparkling that creates stable foam. The aroma presents citrus, pear, banana, and honey, with a pronounced hit of spice and bread, featuring slightly malty notes and a nice touch of alcohol character.
The taste follows the nose, featuring notes of lemon, pear, and apricot, along with coriander, candy sugar, clove, and white pepper, creating a flavor profile characterized by its roundness. The beer offers sweet banana, clove spice, rich wheaty malts, black pepper, apple, pear, and a combination of floral, earthy, herbal, and grassy hops. The mouthfeel is light to medium bodied with fine champagne-like carbonation, and the 8.5% ABV is masked quite effectively, providing only mild warming.
The finish is strong, long-lasting, dry, and bitter, with the alcohol creating a warming sensation on the tongue and palate.
Delirium Tremens Food Pairings
Delirium Tremens is enjoyable on its own or pairs excellently with desserts, salads, and fresh fruit, making it a great choice for Thanksgiving dinner. The beer pairs well with earthy style cheeses like Camembert and Fontina, and is especially versatile with cheese boards featuring stronger cheeses such as blue-veined Belgian “Achelse Blauwe” or “Grevenbroecker.”
Its complex flavor profile complements the sweetness of desserts while its effervescent character cuts through rich, creamy dishes. The beer’s spicy and fruity notes make it an excellent match for holiday meals and seasonal fare. The champagne-like carbonation and dry finish also make it suitable as an aperitif or paired with light appetizers and salads.
Final Thoughts on Delirium Tremens
Delirium Tremens has earned its reputation as an award-winning masterpiece, representing nearly a third of Huyghe Brewery’s total production volume and establishing itself as a global icon of Belgian brewing. The beer’s unique triple fermentation process and three different yeast strains create a complexity that reviewers consistently praise, with many noting how effectively the smooth, balanced flavor profile masks the high alcohol content.
Its distinctive packaging featuring pink elephants has made it instantly recognizable worldwide, while the quality within has earned it numerous accolades and a devoted following. For those new to Belgian strong ales, Delirium Tremens offers an accessible yet sophisticated introduction to the style. Whether enjoyed as a special occasion beer or as part of a food pairing experience, this legendary Belgian ale delivers the perfect balance of tradition, innovation, and exceptional drinkability.