24 Apr You’ll be “Delirium-ous” Over This Tap Takeover at Elm Street Brewing on April 30
by Mark E. Lasbury for Indiana On Tap
There are few things in life that don’t really need to be explained. Example. Example. Example. I’ll give you one more, pink elephants are associated with drinking – so much so that a famous brewery in Europe uses a pink elephant as the logo on one of their most famous beers. Who hasn’t seen and remembered the distinctive bottle and label for Delirium Tremens from Brouwerij Huyghe in Melle, East Flanders.
While the little pink elephant has only been around since 1989, the brewery has been cranking out beer under the mash paddle of a member of the Hugyhe family since 1906, and beer has brewed on the site since 1654 – these people know how to make beer. The core beer is a golden ale called Delirium Tremens but the elephant does work on many of their beers, including some that are dang near impossible to get in the US.
image credit: Elm Street Brewing
If you love Brouwerij Huyghe beers or have only tried one or two and are curious as to why this is one of the most popular breweries in the world, then there is an event coming up that is right up your alley. Elm Street Brewing in Muncie is holding a Delirium tap takeover on Friday, April 30th, starting at 7pm. While free, this is a free event (buy your beer), you will need to reserve a ticket (here), and you should get your tickets quickly.
The beer list from Huyghe is something special, including Delirium Tremens, Delirium Nocturnum, Delirium Red, Delirium Black, Delirium Noel, Deliria, and Averbode (brewed by Huyghe for Huisbrouwerij Averbode). Each of these beers is special on its own, with flavors and characteristics unique to it. Let’s describe each.
Delirium Tremens is a Belgian Golden Ale that is made often and can change in ABV and subtle flavors with each batch (and which Huyghe brewery makes it). The Delirium Nocturnum is darker version of the Tremens, with caramel notes and bigger mouthfeel. Delirium Black is an oak barrel aged version of the nocturnum that has spent at least nine months on wood and carries some of that vanilla, peppery phenolics, and tannins.
image credit: Brouwerij Huyghe
The Delirium Noel is a winter warmer with a slightly larger ABV (around 10%). It’s brewed only once a year and carries some spice and herb with its amber sweetness. Delirium Red is a fruitier beer, light in characteristics, with a slight tart cherry taste and a pink head.
Deliria is a Belgian Golden Strong Ale that is also brewed but once a year, in honor of International Women’s Day. It has a lighter body and is sparkling and effervescent with Chardonnay grape flavor. Finally, Averbode is a Belgian Golden Strong brewed by Huyghe for another brewery, which means that it will have a different malt, hops, and yeast profile due to Averbode’s philosophy, and can be used to compare to the Brouwerij Huyghe beers.
Seth Ruskowksy, head brewer at Elm Street Brewing, brought this takeover together for three reasons; 1) it’s just a great idea to get some of these rare beers together in one place at one time, 2) it’s a great way to open up the patio for the year, and 3) because Delirium Tremens is an important beer to Seth.
Seth told me, “Tremens is the beer that got me into craft beer. I was working at the liquor store for maybe six months and had tried a lot of stuff I didn’t like. I finally took a chance on a 750ml bottle of Tremens, split it with one of my roommates, and it just blew my mind. “I didn’t know beer can taste like that;’ it just opened everything up for me. From Tremens, I went through the store, trying every Belgian beer that was available to me. Tremens continues to be right at the top for me. I eventually come across a sour beer and that really blew my mind. Now, I’m making silly colored sours with flowers and electrolytes, and it all started with Delirium.”
April 30th will be the first time in 2021 that the patio will be staffed and will offer more people a way to try these beers. The Deliria, Averbode, Black, and Noel will be poured on draft on the patio, with the Black, Averbode, and Deliria kegs at Elm Street being the only ones available in Indiana. There will be full table service on the patio/beer garden, live music, spread out tables, fire pits, and it will be family friendly, so make an evening of it.
The Red, Tremens, and Nocturnum will be in the bar and on the patio, available in cans. Seven beers from Hugyhe available at once, all the innovative Elm Street beers, plus their normal outstanding list of guest taps, oh my. Oh, I didn’t even mention the food yet – smoked meats to die for, pizzas to live for, and wings that just make you glad you’re alive. All that great beer and all that great food makes this a Friday night of legendary proportions.
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