Delirium Nocturnum

You know this beer. You might not have drunk it yet, but you know you know it. You’ve seen it in the beer aisle in your local supermarket, the big creamy bottle with the wobbly pink elephant on the label. And if you’re like me, you’ve been kind of put off by that label – you’re a normal beer dude, right? you’re not going to fall for something as cheap as marketing – so you’ve always avoided it, ‘cos $10+ for some beer isn’t a spur of the moment thing. If that’s so, well then, this review is for you… for I took the plunge, and brought one of these big Belgian beauties home today.

I guess I already gave the game away with “beauty”, huh? Let’s get it out the way – this is good beer. Pour gently from the bottle to release a chestnut brew with a thick tan head and a vinous nose that keeps things ticking along as you enjoy your drink. That head takes some settling down, but eventually you can fight your way through the bubbles to find a thick, sweet and malty beer that’s begging for you to love it. Those unique Belgian yeasts have worked their magic to bring you something pretty special, and you can almost chew your way through the raisins, prunes and sweet sultry goodness that make up this pint. Relaxing in front of the fire on a chilly Christmas Day with the snow falling outside and the wonderful Tarzan collection on DVD, I can’t think of many beers I’d rather have than this one.

Good stuff indeed, and a triumph of the brewer’s art over my aversion for that of the marketeer. Finally – you really do need to check out Brouwerij Hughe’s web site. A fabulous slice of 90’s web design, an interesting read on the history of the brewery and the brews they make, and as fine a collection of beer bottle labels as you could hope to see. Enjoy!

JBB6 Rating: For the Win