Delirium

In 1902, Leon Huyghe settled in Melle. Barely four years later, in 1906, he bought the brewery, which he named “Brouwerij-Mouterij den Appel”. During the First World War, several breweries got into trouble, and after the war the brewing-coppers, which the occupying forces had claimed, had to be replaced as quickly as possible.
(Nowadays, one of those coppers hangs above the bar in the museum as a kind of decorating dome). In 1938, the brewery was renamed “SPRL Brasserie L?on Huyghe”

In 1939, the new buildings along the Geraardsbergsensteenweg were finished. They contain the new brewery-hall, which is still the pride of the brewery.

On December 26th 1989, the famous “Delirium Tremens” was born. The particular character and the unique taste of “Delirium Tremens” result from the use of three different kinds of yeast. Its very original packing, which resembles cologne ceramics, and the colourful label contribute to its success. The label depicts the different phases of the production of “Delirium Tremens” the “Pink Elephant” was up and ready to conquer the world. To celebrate the bicentennial of the French Revolution in 1989, the topical beer “La Guillotine” was launched.

In 1992, the “confrerie of the pink Elephant” was founded. Its task is to promote “Delirium Tremens” and the other beers of Melle. The brewery Huyghe took over the breweries “Campus”, “St Idesbald” and “Vielle Villers”.

In 1997, our show-beer “Delirium Tremens” is nominated “best beer in the world”. A gold medal during the “world beer championships” in Chicago (1998) confirmed that worldwide recognition.

Do you like seeing pink elephants? Drink Delirium Tremens or you can visit our website at Delerium Tremens. Please drink responsibly and stop once pink elephants appear.

Brewery Pictures:

Delirium Tremens

“The 50 greatest beers in the world”, Stuart A. Kallen, Citadel Press Book, 1997

Among the world’s greatest beers are: Delirium Tremens (rated number one)...

I could have my life easier. I didn’t have to name Delirium Tremens as my
number one favorite beer. If I simply mentioned a beer everyone has heard of, without the name of a drinker’s disease, I would get more peace!

Words simply cannot describe the intricate flavor of this beer, but that won’t stop me from trying. The color is golden and the head creamyand light.

The first sip warms my throat and belly like an old woodstove does a log cabin

It’s lightly hopped and surprisingly malty for such an airy, sunshine beer.

With a nose somewhat remiscent of Orval, the aftertasteis fruity, almost cherry. A warming alcoholic glow works its way down the throat to the stomach.

This beer must be sipped slowly so you can revel in each sweet drop.

Delirium Tremens has a big body, a rich mouth feel, and a long, sweet aftertaste.

This beer is recommended as an aperitif. Try it with dark bread, cheese, and crackers.

“Great Beers of Belgium”, Michael Jackson, Third Edition, 1998, Running Press

ABV 8.5%

Delirium Nocturnum

Delirium Nocturnum is an 8.5%ABV, dark, Belgian Strong Ale. It’s triple fermented using 3 different yeast strains and 5 different malts.

This is a good representation of some of the best Belgian ales out there. It will do enough to please fans of Belgian ales, if not overwhelming them. It’s a lot easier drinking than some of the Trappist ales I’ve tried so it would make a decent drink for newcomers to Belgium, while having several similarities to a brown or Scottish ale.

It carries a great deep complexity, alcohol warmth, lots of flavor and character without being too overpowering. It’s a must try for any serious beer lover, and also something I’d recommend to anyone who likes to be a little more adventurous than the popular corporate lagers.

It’s a strong ale, not particularly suited to food, and probably best as a nightcap. It would also work well as an after dinner drink with strong cheeses.

Delirium Noël

“The 50 greatest beers in the world” – Stuart A. Kallen, Citadel Press Book, 1997