Delirium Tremens

Launched in 1989 Delirium Tremens is one of many beers from brewery Huyghe, located in Melle on the outskirts of Ghent.
Instantly recognisable it is packaged in a bottle that is painted to resemble Cologne ceramics and wears a label that features pink elephants, dancing crocodiles and performing dragons - DT stands out on any shelf.

With an exterior like that the contents must stand up...and indeed they do as in 2008 it was named "Best beer in the World" at the World Beer Championships in the USA.

This mighty beer pours a hazy, golden yellow, topped with a crowning , thick, white, rocky head - beneath the beer is effervescent, alive with tiny yeast particles.

Aroma is full of bready / yeasty notes, crisp orchard fruits (apples and pears) coupled with tropical banana, hints of pepper spice and fragrant floral hops in the finish.

Taste follows with sweet, doughy / bready yeast, floral grassy hops, crisp orchard fruits (but also peaches) and a clean lemon barley bitterness on the finish.

No doubt a beer that stands up to the crazy packaging and one with a word of caution - Delirium Tremens is Latin for shaking frenzy (often referred to as the DT's) and is caused by an acute withdrawal from alcohol.