Delirium Tremens
Delirium Tremens is a strong blond beer from Belgium, recognizable by the pink elephant on the label and the bottle that resembles a stone jug. The beer has 8.5% alcohol, is fruity and spicy, and finishes dry and bitter. Here you can read what Delirium Tremens is, what it tastes like and how to pour it.
A strong blond with a wink
Delirium Tremens is a Belgian strong blond beer from Brouwerij Huyghe. This family brewery has been based in Melle, just below Ghent in East Flanders, since 1906. Delirium Tremens is the brewery's best-known beer and is enjoyed in many countries around the world.
The name is a play on words. Delirium tremens is the medical term for severe withdrawal symptoms caused by alcohol addiction, and "seeing pink elephants" is an old expression for someone who has looked too deeply into their glass. Hence the pink elephant on the label. The bottle is unusual too: it is opaque and resembles an old-fashioned stone jug, with a blue label.
According to the brewery, they use three types of yeast. Together, these give the beer its fruity and spicy character. The beer is golden blond, has a firm head and plenty of carbonation. At 8.5% alcohol, it is a strong beer, so you drink it slowly, just like a tripel or a Duvel.
In brief
Delirium Tremens at Gall & Gall
Gall & Gall sells the classic Delirium Tremens in a 33 cl bottle. Huyghe makes more Delirium beers, such as the dark Nocturnum and the fruity Delirium Red, but this is the original.
Delirium Tremens
Golden blond and powerful. The alcohol warms the mouth and tongue, the taste is rounded and the finish is strong, long and dry-bitter.
A tripel is similar to Delirium Tremens: blonde, strong, and spicy. Find out what a tripel is and which ones are well known.
Duvel is another well-known strong blonde ale from Belgium, slightly drier and with more hops.
From witbier to quadrupel: an overview of all types of specialty beer.
Fruity, spicy, and warming
Fruit and spices
You smell ripe fruit such as pear and apple, with some spiciness and a hint of alcohol. This mainly comes from the yeast.
Round and warming
The alcohol warms the mouth and palate. There is a slight malt sweetness, but the beer remains refreshing thanks to its lively carbonation.
Dry and bitter
The finish is strong, long, and dry-bitter. As a result, the beer feels less heavy than its 8.5% ABV would suggest.
Flavor profile of Delirium Tremens. Fruitier and softer than Duvel, drier than most tripels.
How to pour Delirium Tremens
Pour a strong blonde ale chilled into a tulip glass, with a beautiful head. Take your time: the beer changes as it warms slightly.
Cool, not ice-cold
Drink Delirium Tremens at around 6 to 8 degrees. If it is too cold, you will barely taste the fruit and spices. Take the bottle out of the refrigerator a few minutes before pouring.
More about pouring beer →Pour slowly
Hold the glass at an angle and pour slowly. Straighten the glass at the end for a firm head. If there is a layer of yeast at the bottom, leave it in the bottle if you want the beer to remain clear.
Taste it alongside other blonde ales
Place Delirium Tremens next to a tripel and a Duvel. This lets you clearly taste the difference between fruity, spicy, and hoppy strong blonde ales.
Beer tasting at home →Delirium Tremens at the table
A strong blonde ale pairs well with bold flavors. The bitterness and carbonation cleanse your palate after fatty or salty foods.
Aged and abbey cheese
With aged Gouda, Belgian abbey cheese, or a piece of mature cheese. The fruitiness in the beer complements the salty cheese.
Poultry and pork
With roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or beer-braised stew. The beer is powerful enough for a robust sauce.
Mussels
With mussels or fried fish. The dry finish works well with something containing butter or cream.
Snacks
With bitterballen, sausage, and salted nuts. Use small glasses, though, as the beer is strong.
The right glass for Delirium Tremens
Delirium Tremens is best enjoyed from a tulip glass on a stem. The rounded bowl retains the aroma and leaves room for the thick head. A 33 cl bottle fits perfectly in a 38 to 50 cl glass.
Everything you still wanted to know about Delirium Tremens
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Buy Delirium Tremens
Want the bottle at home right away? Order Delirium Tremens online from Gall & Gall.
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