Brouwerij Huyghe produce the iconic Delirium Tremens, noted for the pink elephants adorning both the ceramic-painted bottle and the special beer goblet. More obscure is the dark ale known as Delirium Nocturnum.
The beer pours a rich dark brown colour, with a tan foam. The smell is of strong ripe and dried dark fruits - raisins, grape skin and plums. There is also sweet caramel and strong malt, plus a little spice hint of nutmeg and clove.
The flavour follows suit, with an initial mouthful of rich sweetness. Lots of the strong dark fruits, a good malt backbone from the five different malts, caramel and a little roastiness. Three yeasts are also used, giving a good does of spice hints. The hop bitterness comes through to round out the beer with a nice dry finish, and lingering aftertaste.
Interesting Beer Fact: When the Delirium range was first brought to the US, for a while it was banned. The powers-that-be thought the imagery and even the name were too 'provocative', and would lead to over-consumption of these beers!
Availability : Limited. Included in February 14 Beer Club Pack.