It’s happened again! I’m here today to tell you about Delirium Tremens, a fine Belgian ale that the brewer, Huyghes, claims has been “Elected Best Beer in the World!”. I can tell you from experience that not many beers can back that up, but I would include Delirium Tremens as one that can. Now, you might be wondering at this point what it is that has happened again, so I’ll tell you. Thing is, as I was sipping and enjoying my pint can of Delirium Tremens, I realized I had never penned a review of this classic ale. Tragic, that.

That is not to say that I have not opined on any of the beers in the Delirium line; I have. Delirium Nocturnum and Delirium Noel both have their own pages here on guruofbrew.com. Still, I’ve been drinking Delirium Tremens (and many other beers) and reviewing since the 90s, so it is indeed time that I add Delirium Tremens here.

Hughes says about the beer:

Delirium Tremens was first brewed on 26 December 1988. Our brewing team developed the beer at the specific request of Italian beer enthusiasts with a preference for this type of beer. The unique character of Delirium lies in the 3 different types of yeast and the original earthenware bottle.

Though I’ve enjoyed this beer many times in that iconic earthenware bottle, both in 33cl and 750ml sizes, tonight my glass was poured from a pint can, something unheard of before a few years ago. Though Delirium Tremens only dates to 1988, the Huyghes brewery goes back to 1906 when Leon Huyghes bought an existing brewery where he had worked a few years prior.

Huyghes does make other beers besides Delirium Tremens, though the latter is most assuredly their flagship brew.  Delirium Tremens has an alcohol content of 8.5% by volume and I paid $5.99 for my pint can at Cost Plus World Market. Total Wine sells a 4-pack of these for $17.99, a fifth bottle for $11.99, and a 4-pack of 11.3 ounce bottles for $20.99. The 4-pack cans is the best value of these.

Delirium Tremens pours to a bright golden color with a fluffy white head and a funky Belgian yeasty nose. My can had chunky yeast in suspension, not uncommon with this beer in my experience. You can drink it. It’s full of B vitamins and is good for you. The beer is smooth with light malt but the malt is not the focus here; the yeast is. The beer has a unique funky yeasty flavor that really has to be tried to be understood. Banana is an element of it but it is otherwise quite distinct and must be experienced to be understood. The beer finishes balanced but again, hops are not the focus here. The yeasty goodness is the star of the show.

Delirium Tremens is a world class beer and one worthy of a full five stars. Is it truly the best beer in the world? It gets my vote as one of them. Why not pick up a 4-pack and judge for yourself?

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled, canned

(D)=Draft

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