Delirium Tremens - Brouwerij Huyghe

alex_hart

Massachusetts

4.8/5  rDev +16.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

8.5% abv..the head on it from the initial poor was unreal, the "floaters" were out of this world..ive had beers with floaters in them before, but there were so many in this that they were even stuck in the head and on the sides of the glass as it emptied..absolutely delicious belgian that i will have to get again

light fruit in the flavor along with Belgian yeast..light and effervescent all the way from the first sip to the last..i had to look for this for a long time before i finally found a bottle on the bottom shelf of a hole in the wall liquor store outside of Boston..glad i spotted the blue foil top..this is a must get for any belgian lover

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2013 03:50:26 | More by alex_hart

dar482

New York

4.35/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

This comes in a clear gold color.

The taste is wonderful, warm, and clean. It has a fruity malty flavor with a beautiful clean body with low carbonation. It tastes of light bread that is combined with a pale ale. It's quite refreshing and drinkable. It has a great sharp forward flavor with a easing maltiness.

One of my favorite Belgian Strong Pales so far.

Serving type: on-tap

03-01-2013 06:25:23 | More by dar482

vkv822

Oregon

3.8/5  rDev -8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

11.2oz : tulip

Yellow golden, lots of rising carbonation visible, a very thick, billowy white head.

Fruity esters, blended with peppery, light clove notes.

Medium+ body, foamy carbonation.

A well done BSPA, all aspects were enjoyable. I felt that there wasn't necessarily anything really spectacular, which is the reason for the fairly average scoring.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2013 09:36:22 | More by vkv822

TwelveOunces

Kentucky

4.06/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Served on tap in a pint glass

Pours crystal clear golden color with no head whatsoever. The beer was not as I expected. There is a subtle oily hop presence with an earthy onion like flavor. The body of the beer is dominate by dark fruit flavors and grape in particular. This beer is somewhat sweet and quite floral in a tropical sense. The body is surprisingly think and has a nice feel to it. Hides the alcohol quite well. Overall, pretty darn good and very darn different.

Serving type: on-tap

02-19-2013 01:21:53 | More by TwelveOunces

SometimesIfart

Michigan

2.58/5  rDev -37.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A - Pours a very murky gold with a two finger white head. Left a decent amount of lacing.

S - Smells like mustard up front, a lot of pepper and clove, along with wheat. Definitely weird.

T - Once again, mustard up front, followed by some pepper and hay. Finished with some bubblegum.

M - Medium bodied with heavy carbonation.

O - Overall, this is the weirdest beer I have ever had. I'm giving it a solid three because I'm simply not sure what to think about it.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2013 04:59:02 | More by SometimesIfart

Ryanm1

Pennsylvania

4.48/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Just about every place in belgium has this on tap. Excellent brew. I've had this numerous times but this one was in a sample, globe sized about 6oz. at Delerium Cafe in Brussels, Belgium.
It pours golden in color. Very thick and syrupy dispite looking like a lite beer. Translucent, not cloudy. Very sweet smell, possibly floral in there as well as a slight note of alcohol as the beer is 8.5 abv. This beer is sweet to the tounge as well on the first sip. Can't drink it too fast though as it is very thick and syrupy. No noticable or dercenable bitterness nor any hop notes. Excellent taste for the Belgian Golden ale lover.

Serving type: on-tap

02-11-2013 02:18:17 | More by Ryanm1

Scotchboy

Idaho

3.84/5  rDev -7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Corked & caged 750ml poured into my Hair of the Dog tulip...

A: Pretty clear golden straw with a bright white head that doesn't quite stick around...some lacing on the glass.

S: Phenolic and fruity...light peppery sensations and crisp sweet maltiness. Suggestions of grape bubble gum and honey.

T: Follows the nose, on the fruitier side rather than funky, but there is also some earthy husk essence in the malty backbone. Hints of honeysuckle. Peppery and phenolic...a bit of earthy hop leaves a touch of bitterness on the finish.

S: Medium body with a drying finish via some alcohol esters and a light touch of heat.

O: Pretty good, not quite run-of-the-mill in its flavor profile but not my cup of tea either.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2013 17:38:03 | More by Scotchboy

Eeroomnhoj

Virginia

4.98/5  rDev +20.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5

This was a great beer. I have had this beer on several occasions but this one was the best. Maybe I had a bad batch before or maybe I can finally appreciate it. The beer was poured in a frosted mug and there was a half an inch of foam. I did taste a little bit of fruit in the beer but cannot pinpoint which one(s). Enjoyed the first sip as much as the last. I am looking forward to my next glass.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2013 00:29:03 | More by Eeroomnhoj

Yzerman

3.86/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75

For some reason the draught beer seems less turbud than the bottled one.
The smell and taste is also different but these beers are few and far between and both glass and appearance is different...so what am I trying to say...

Nevermind, this beer is full of taste and exotic flavours. Grapes, spices, citrus, bananas...you name it. All flavours glow. I'll have another pink elephant right after this one. Cheers

Serving type: on-tap

02-01-2013 15:57:02 | More by Yzerman

kangarooAdam59

Maine

3.91/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

At Jimmy the Greek's South Portland, ME:

In a tulip:

A: light golden colored body with a small one finger white head that died within twenty seconds. Some light carbonation was seen rising.

S: Belgian yeast up front with some light pepper, coriander and clove. Apples and pears present themselves as the beer warmed

T: sweet with the previously mentioned flavors combined nicely and a slightly more pronounced apple flavoring

M: light to medium with a slightly creaminess coming through. I'd say a pretty decent drinkability as no alcohol was felt

O: "strong" who said this is strong, uh. . . for the most part, this was good, but this isn't that "strong."

Serving type: on-tap

01-21-2013 00:50:46 | More by kangarooAdam59

mjtiernan

New York

4.08/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

750ml bottle poured into a snifter. Bottled 2/12.

A: Paler than I remember. Body is deep golden. Nearly two fingers of white head. Considerable alcohol legs but not as much as you might expect for a beer that has a reputation for being 'strong.'

S: Tons of belgian characteristics. Lots of coriander and clove. Some banana. Caramel. Peach, lemon and apple. A touch of pepper.

T: Follows the aroma strongly but adds some alcohol heat. Nice fruit and spice.

M: Body is medium-to-full. Texture is borderline oily/creamy. Carbonation soft. Drinkability is fair. It doesn’t hide the alcohol very much. However I wouldn’t expect if from a beer whose legend claims you will see pink elephants if you drink enough of it.

O: I don’t think of this as a particularly ‘refined’ Belgian. That may be the reason that I don’t buy/order it very often. Maybe that’s not fair...I dunno. However, it’s a fun beer to drink and quite tasty. Is that a pink elephant I see?

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2013 03:53:16 | More by mjtiernan

pweis909

Wisconsin

4.5/5  rDev +9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I've been trying a few strong Belgian beers since New Years and this is far and away my favorite. Unlike so many others, it has figured out how to be sweet without being cloyingly caramel. It seems so complex compared to the various crystmas ales I've tried, which packed on the sweet caramel to excess. DT is

...lightly colored, I'd call it a tripel, and almost transparent. Ever so slightly hazy
... well carbonated.
... sweetish, almost honey like, but balanced with bitterness that may be hop or alcohol derived.
...slightly bready.
...clovey, but not to excess.
...slightly orangey? Well, that's my best discription for the gently puckering finish. Seems to go well with the clove, honey, and bread.
... prickly mouthfeel from the carbonation.

For whatever reason, this one really popped for me tonight.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2013 04:13:39 | More by pweis909

aeviaanah

California

3.8/5  rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Pours yellow fizzy and packs a nice head. Lacing occurs.

S: Rotten fruit- apples and pears, some banana from yeast.

T: Bready and lightbodied but was able to mask alcohol well. Clean finish. Well balanced.

D: Finishes a bit light but may had been intentional for the style. Reminds me of Moscato. Warming sensation.

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2013 04:08:05 | More by aeviaanah

RonaldTheriot

Louisiana

4.5/5  rDev +9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Delirium Tremens has a thick, fizzy, off-white head, filmy lacing, a semi-clear, brilliant, yellow-golden appearance, lots of tiny streaming bubbles, and an enormous amount of fairly large sediment chunks that congeals in the beer once the bottom contents are swished and poured in. The aroma is sweet, spicy, and yeasty. The taste is similar, with some coriander, citrus, and even banana notes. There is lots of sweet sugar and orange peel here, but very little overall bitterness. Mouthfeel is prickly and light, and Delirium Tremens finishes dry, crisp, drinkable, and champagne-like. Overall, this is delicious, and I highly recommend it.

RJT

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2013 16:00:22 | More by RonaldTheriot

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

3.2/5  rDev -22.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A-Pours a slightly cloudy orange color. Big, fluffy head is bleach white. Head retains throughout the glass. Despite the huge, lingering head, there isn't much lacing.

S-Spicy and yeasty with pale-fleshed fruits. Textbook Belgian Pale. Estery.

T-More of the same with a metallic flavor. Sweeter than the nose. Notes of honey. All the apples and pears you'd want. Caramel apples? Well spiced.

M-Semi-full. Dry. Booze comes out a bit. Vibrant carbonation.

O/D-Doesn't suit me much. I was surprised that it took me so long to try this but after actually trying it, I understand why it took me until now.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2012 02:03:09 | More by VelvetExtract

Everydayoff

Thailand

4.08/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

330ml bottle poured into a tulip by freshness date.

A:
Upon the pour, it yields a deep golden showcase with massive fluffy white crown that stands with exceptional retention. Let the time fly, the head slowly sinks to decent foamy layer covering atop along with plenty of spotty and patchy lace. Rather high carbonation pushes the wave of eternal bubble to run actively towards the crest.

S:
Unique aroma from yeast by a combination of a fruity, estery, phenolic and spicy note also with a trait of dough and malt residing.

T:
Besides of the malt in the background, there are a sweetness and fruitiness building up from its fruity ester that also generates some tartness and sourness cut through the edge of the palate sensation. Complexity and balance are derived by a load of phenolic spice. Alcohol is slightly warming and sweet but is well concealed while hops reveal at last with a slightly bitter end.

M:
Creamy smooth mouth feel from its sturdy carbonation, the body is medium to bold with some lively crispness and a dry finish.

O:
Great brew without any question, there are many details in many aspects to get as a gimmick, not even the beer quality itself but also with the unique label and bottle design. Love that.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2012 16:16:57 | More by Everydayoff

Whiteweasel

Illinois

3.93/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours clear, with a golden straw colour. Bubbles up nicely, with a quick dissipation and continuing effervescence.

Strong banana and clove phenols, with apple, pear and honey elements, and an almost mead-like honey sweetness. Notable and delicious smelling belgian trappist-style yeast note. Perfectly balanced tartness complimenting the sweetness.

Was expecting a more prominent flavour profile. Wheatiness, weak estery banana/clove, but not much else. Slight hint of a belgian yeast strain.

Certainly has a noticable booziness, almost overpowering the taste. Lingers with a mild warmth in the mouth after

It’s nice, but considering the style, it doesn't fulfill its potential. I would expect more taste complexity and depth, so it could stand up to the (modest) alcohol content/booziness.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2012 08:26:15 | More by Whiteweasel

Aaron_Ramson

California

4.15/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

As a person who is not a fan of Belgian beers, I find myself enjoying Delirium Tremens despite it being a Belgian strong ale. Pale gold, hazy, and with a rapidly dissipating head, it smelled sweet and fruity; tart green apples, close to no banana and clove in the nose but it was detectable near the end as it warmed. Very strong tasting; best description would be too imagine what an "imperial" Belgian would taste like. Tart and dry, fruity and slightly spicy with a medium-thin mouthfeel and lots of carbonation, almost over carbonated actually. Only slightly less carbonated than an American pale lager, in my opinion. Coriander and spice notes more apparent as it warms. Very hot and warming, with an alcoholic buzz started minutes after the first several sips. the name is very appropritate. I'd drink this again!

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2012 03:10:36 | More by Aaron_Ramson

Sludgeman

District of Columbia

3.8/5  rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

In a tulip - Brasserie Beck, Washington, DC

A - Golden yellow, clear, two finger head that quickly dissipated, minimal lacing, not too much carbonation.

S - Yeast, a little sweet and floral.

T - Yeast, a little sweet, slight hoppines, slight bitter after taste, not sure why but reminds me a little of budweiser, the 8.5% ABV is well disguised.

M - Smooth, lightly carbonated.

O - Very drinkable, but not what I would consider a typical belgium strong ale.

Serving type: on-tap

12-21-2012 02:30:53 | More by Sludgeman

pubby

4.88/5  rDev +18.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Def a strong Belgian beer, but what a great way to end the night with a refreshing pale ale was served in a snifter glass. I had it with fish and chips and went perfectly . I did experience some weird dreams last night. But woke up and with a slight head ache. definitely get it again!!

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2012 00:01:11 | More by pubby

depechemode1983

Texas

4.55/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A- Pours a bubbly golden orange, with a white three finger frothy head. Re tension is superb. Lacing is minimal and could stand to be a little more.

S- Fruity upfront. Lots of white grapes, prunes, and candy sugar. The alcohol is surprisingly toned down for the ABV %

T- Apple cider to say the least. Tons of Belgium yeast and candy sugars. Mostly just apples and a slight tinge of alcohol.

M- The mouth feel is champagne like to say the least. Bubbly and effervescent, it goes down smooth and crisp. Beautiful.

O- Excellent all around BSPA. It has an all around beautiful appearance. It has a wonderful bouquet. If you like apples your going to be in for a real treat. Over all this is a top notch brew.

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2012 08:17:39 | More by depechemode1983

Kremlock

Ontario (Canada)

3.88/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Full of chunky yeast sediments, pours a 1/2 inch head that settles to a thin frothy white head. Pours a yellow straw colour with high apparent carbonation.

S: Spicy white pepper, yeast, floral hops

T: Spicy pepper, yeast on bread, ripe pear and a bit of acidity.

M: High carbonation, light-medium body, a bit sharp on the palate, dry finish.

O: Good Belgian beer, would be great with a medium cheese or salty meat. Dryness is appropriate with just the right amount of hops.

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2012 01:42:09 | More by Kremlock

FondueVoodoo

British Columbia (Canada)

3.93/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Pale yellow wheat with plenty of chunky suspended sediment. Fine and creamy white head, settling down to just scan few bubbles.

S: Plenty of yeast bloom with spicy smells of white pepper with some tart tropical fruit.

T: Strong yeasty notes with spicy white pepper exactly as the smell would suggest. Just a hint of hoppy bitters that balance out the yeast well.

M: Plenty of active carbonation, clean finish on the palate, with just a pleasant bit of dryness.

O: Delirium packs a punch at 8.7%, but it's duplicitous, neither the smell, nor taste give the higher alcohol content away. It's light and easy to drink. It would pair well with pastry - like croissants, it's yeast and spices would compliment butter pastry perfectly.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2012 04:32:01 | More by FondueVoodoo

Marc_V

3.95/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle from Belgianbeershop.com. Color: clear yellow golden. Head: thick, white. Nose: spicy, yeasty, fruity (citrus), clear alcohol presence. Taste is very Belgian with lots of yeast, spicy and fruity. Delirium Tremens is a very fine strong ale but I prefer La Guillotine by the same brewer.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2012 16:53:20 | More by Marc_V

EdwardLongshanks

4.03/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A svelte cavalier of belgians. It lacks the profound punch of some of my favorite world-class belgians, but it compares favorably to Unibroue La Fin Du Monde, a mighty offering from Quebec. Like Imperial IPAs, in my opinion, it's half content and half alcohol, if you catch my meaning. It's relatively light and deceiving on the tongue, but heavy on the nose and liver. I thoroughly adore this beer in lively company.

I appreciate the banana/alcohol nose. Never has anything so acrid been so pleasant.

It's not the best ever, but it borders on great. I will buy it again and again.

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2012 05:43:29 | More by EdwardLongshanks