Delirium tremens - a beer with an elephant on the label that the whole world knows
It would seem that what do white fever and the pink elephant from the cartoon "Dumbo" have in common? That's right, Delirium tremens, a strong Belgian ale that is known and loved all over the world. But it was not always so - the specific name played a cruel joke with the drink. However, this does not prevent Delirium tremens always remain on the wave of popularity. What is its secret?
The Elephant's Secret
The pink elephant Jumbo the Younger does not appear on the label by accident - in one of the most famous scenes of the cartoon "Dumbo" he gets drunk and starts seeing hallucinations. The name, which literally translates to "white fever" and is also directly related to alcohol consumption, is fitting as well. But neither of them has anything to do with Delirium tremens - choosing a flamboyant name for their brainchild, the Belgian brewers just wanted to underline their creativity.
Not everyone understood the idea: for a long time beer has been banned from sale in several countries. The producers listened to the complaints - in some countries the drink is supplied under the abbreviated name of Delirium. But the loud arguments did not stop the success: beer with an elephant on the label won numerous awards all over the world and was even named the best beer on the planet at the World Championships in Chicago in 2008.
Belgian beer with pink elephant has been brewed since 1989, and today it is rightly considered the flagship of Huyghe brewery. Apart from the loud name, Delirium tremens has a memorable appearance - the ceramic bottle, colored label, as if drawn from the pages of Dante's book, shiny blue foil wrapped around the neck and covering the lid.
But the main advantage of this variety is still the excellent taste. Delirium tremens is brewed using three different strains of yeast, one of which is unique. The result is a strong drink (8.5% alcohol) with a complex flavor. At the beginning you can feel the rich tones of fruit, which are replaced by the sweetness of caramel, and in the aftertaste - tones of honey and pepper. It has a full-bodied aroma with distinct notes of herbs and spices, and an attractive appearance - a golden color and a stable foamy cap.
Delirium tremens changed not only the Belgian beer world, but also the Huyghe brewery itself - the pink elephant became the symbol of the brewery. And the real fans of the brewery organized the "Brotherhood of the Pink Elephant", which actively promotes Delirium tremens to the masses.
Join the brotherhood - come to the beer restaurant Lambic! In addition to the classic taste, you can try Delirium Red - a cherry beer with elephant, as well as many other types of beer. We are waiting for you!
The strongest beers: what to try
Beer is considered to be a light drink - you can drink a lot of it and hardly get tipsy. But this is true only for non-strength varieties. Meanwhile, there are some that can easily give a head start to both vodka and whiskey. Let's tell you more about them! World leaders Brewmeister Snake Venom (67.5%) Scottish ale called “snake venom” for its incredible strength. It is achieved by smoking peat malt, using two types of yeast and multiple freezing. Despite the high concentration of alcohol, the beer is characterized by softness, retaining hop aroma and malt bitterness. Price - more than 6000 rubles. Used in cocktails. Brewdog Strength in Numbers (57.8%) The result of a collaboration between BrewDog and Schorschbräu, who created the beer using the “Icebock” method (freezing and clearing of ice). Additional strength was provided by a 10-year-old whisky. It was released in a limited edition at a price of $40 for 50 ml. Brewmeister Armageddon (65%) Scottish beer made from crystal malt, oats, wheat and spring water. The strength is achieved thanks to the addition of aged whisky. Price - from 5000 rubles. Koelschip Start the Future (60%) Dutch ale obtained by the “Icebock” method. Despite the standard ingredients, the flavor turned out to be unusual - sweet-tart with soapy and peppery notes. Created as an experiment, not flavor-oriented. Price - approximately $46 for 330 ml. Schorschbrau Schorschbock 57 (57%) German ale from the famous Schorschbrau brewery, which usually produces beers with a strength of 13-16%.It is distinguished by dark amber color, oily texture and burning taste with whiskey notes. It is produced in limited batches, the price is $300 for 400 ml.Rock Bottom Campbell Beer PT's Punch (56%)A California ale with guava, orange and passion fruit. Easier to drink than its European counterparts, with a pleasant bitterness and floral notes. Unlike other experimental varieties, the drink is available in online stores for pre-order. Strong in Lambic In our country, of course, you can not drink 50-degree beer. But you can treat yourself to a strong foamy drink in any beer restaurant. At Lambic we offer several with high strength. The result of a collaboration between BrewDog and Schorschbräu, who created the beer using the “Icebock” method (freezing and clearing of ice).Additional strength was provided by a 10-year-old whisky. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the strongest in the world, and the high degree is achieved thanks to fermentation. We will recommend excellent gastronomic accompaniments for all varieties so that you can get a real pleasure. We look forward to seeing you!
23 April 2025
Bornem Double beer: a taste with a history
There are many special options among Belgian brews, especially when it comes to beers with a history. But Bornem Double stands out even among such stars. At the recent California Microbrew Beer Festival, this Van Steenberge Abbey draft was recognized as the best in its category. What is its charm — we will tell you in this article. Main features Bornem Double is a lively beer with a full, rich, velvety flavor that harmoniously combines fruity notes and malt sweetness. The long aftertaste reveals nuances of spices and chocolate, as well as neat hop notes. Separately it is worth talking about the aroma. It is very beautiful, with notes of milk chocolate, brown sugar, vanilla and spices. The variety is good both inside and outside — in the glass it reveals a deep dark brown color with burgundy reflections. Bornem Double is usually served with meat dishes — steaks, grill, game, sausages. Despite the rather high strength of 8%, the beer is very drinkable, and you can hardly feel alcohol in it. It is also perfect for cold seasons, as it has a warming effect. Secrets of production The history of Bornem beer began in 1957 at the Beirens brewery in the town of Wommelgem. After the brewery closed in 1971, thanks largely to the abbots of the Bornem monastery, the recipe was taken over by the Van Steenberge brewery. The beer was originally sold under the St. Bernard brand and with the monk’s image on the label. However, to avoid similarity with the St. Bernardus Watou brand, the logo was changed: an image of a heron holding a fish appeared on the label. The choice of the symbol is not accidental: the heron is a typical inhabitant of the neighborhood of Bornem, which reflects both the charm of the local fauna and the traditional culture of the region. By the way, the word «heron» is often found in the names of local bars and brasseries. The main feature of this dub is the manufacturing technology. The beer is not pasteurized, and after primary fermentation in barrels it undergoes secondary fermentation in bottles, acquiring its unique taste. You can try Bornem Double in any Lambic brasserie. In our beer restaurants you will find a large selection of varieties from all over the world, including Trappists, as well as an excellent assortment of dishes and always cozy atmosphere. Come — we will find something to surprise you!
23 April 2025