Delirium Argentum

So, the classic Belgian golden ale known as Delirium Tremens turned 25 last year, and the brewery decided to celebrate with, naturally, a Belgian IPA. Why not? We had a keg at Acadia, and I took some notes:

Clear, deep crimson, puffy head, slow to settle, lace-leaving.

Hoppy aromatics, lightly bitter and fruity, cherries, berries and citrus-types. Apple peel and melon rind. A little herbal, floral, as well.

In the mouth, a mellow fruit explosion. Hops are shining, but malt is doing it's stuff, too. Light, delicate, and luscious. Terrific balance.

This is an interesting brew. They're calling it an India Pale Ale, but no Belgian IPA is going to taste like you think. And this doesn't taste like that, nor does it taste like you'd expect from a 25th Anniversary celebration of Delirium Tremens.

It's damned tasty, though. And really, uniquely Belgian. I'm liking it.

Here's how the Brewery Huyghe website describes it: Colour and appearance: red amber, very dense fine white head.
Fragrance: spicy, citrus, grapefruit, a hint of caramel in the nose.
Flavour: full-bodied, intense and a touch of caramel. Together with the spicy, citrus-like bitterness, they give this beer a complex and very pleasant fresh, full and bitter aftertaste.
History: specialty beer created to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of Delirium Tremens.