Huyghe Delirium Tremens and Nocturnum

Huyghe Delirium Tremens (2013)

Year round brew.

25.4 fl. oz. / $11.99 USD / 8.5% ABV

About:  "Delirium tremens is Latin for "trembling madness", commonly nicknamed "the DTs", indicating a violent sickness induced by withdrawal after alcohol abuse. Although it is commonly thought that sufferers hallucinate pink elephants, which may explain its use on the beer's label, the most common animals seen in delirium tremens hallucinations are cats, dogs, and snakes.

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.  In 1997, Stuart A. Kallen nominated Delirium Tremens as "best beer in the world". A gold medal during the "world beer championships" in Chicago (1998) confirmed that worldwide recognition."

Thoughts: Tremens poured a light golden yellow with a soft white head full of small, perfect and identically shaped bubbles. The amount of carbonation coming up from the bottom of the glass is totally insane. I'm watching the bubbles hit the lining around the top of the beer and it's just like that video game bubble bobble, only at a hundred miles an hour. Really cool stuff. The beer is slightly hazy but also very transparent to light, and the head dissipated rather quickly.

The scent is very malty on this one, with that underlying Belgian yeast kicking around just beneath it. The hint of alcohol is thoroughly apparent while breathing it in. There's a soft spiciness to it, a little overly ripe banana and a touch of clove. Creeping through each time I lean into it is a bit of tartness, but a sweet tart like sour candy or granny smith apples.

This beer has a real nice taste to it starting off with a an initial sweetness, followed by a haze of tart and white pepper, a little bit of fumy booze and then a soft bread like aftertaste. Lots of clove gives off a smokey impression, there's a slap of ripe fruit right to the mouth, and overall it's got a huge burst of flavor that rides out for a long time. It's spicy, resembles cold winds, and is balanced very well between slightly sweet, sour and a gentle bitter. It's really pleasant, and the alcohol hits at just the right amount.

The beer is very crisp, if a little grimy. It's so light and airy, goes down smooth and all that's left is a soft haze throughout the mouth. Poured the second half of the bottle into the glass and blam(!), got all of the sediment. There's a shit-ton of it in there too man. What a beautiful sight, kinda like DFH's Sahtea. This time around the head didn't diminsh at all, but instead lingered forever and flavors were slightly amplified. A little bit more of a burst with each gulp, but still very balanced and beautifully done. Nice!

Huyghe Delirium Nocturnum (2013)

Year round brew.

25.4 fl. oz. / $11.99 USD / 8.5% ABV

About: "Delirium Nocturnum from Brouwerij Huyghe is a top fermentation beer, re-fermented in the bottle with an alcohol content of 8,50%. Deep brown colour. Warm, velvety soft with a very strong taste: tones of alcohol, hops and bitter rind. Long-lasting, bitter aftertaste."

Thoughts: HOLY FUCK! I un-caged this bottle before stopping to read an article online, then when I went to slide it over to me the cork just fucking popped out lightning fast past my ear and hit the ceiling. Shit blew up right next to my face and was loud as shit dude.

I guess that means I should pour it out then, huh? Nocturnum flowed out a real muddy and dark chestnut brown with a tan head full of loud popping bubbles. The bubbles are are exactly the same size, very small and awesome looking, and the top of the head is real frothy and long lasting. Sounds a bit like Rice Crispies.

Smells a little bit like a lighter version of rum raisin, but almost a little cola like, or a bit like an alcoholic Dr. Pepper. It's very malty, a little smoky and really grainy.

The taste on this one is straight up heated caramel. Totally nuts. There's a not-really chocolate covered cherry thing in the back of it all, but up front it's that caramel, toffee, vanilla, brown sugar, clove, black pepper, black licorice, and earthy leaves. It's got a bit of a heat to it from all the spice and booze, and kinda bites you after each gulp with a soft tang at the back of the cheeks.

The mouth is soft, bubbly, airy, smooth, creamy and leaves a dry feeling that's strangly wet at the same time. Breathing in is when it really gets you with its slightly vivacious nature. This one so far is my third favorite in this series. Both Tremens and Nocturnum are delectable brews, but for me, Noël is the reigning champion from this brewery. That beer is fucking amazing.