Brouwerij Huyghe Delirium Argentum (2014) Belgian IPA at 7% ABV | 49 IBU (C$4.89 at NLC Stavanger, 330 ml, bottle date 22-Oct-2015, best before 31-Oct-2018, acquired 19-Jun-2016, reviewed 16-Sep-2016)
Appearance: clear pale amber with two fingers of rocky white head head, good retention and minimal lacing. (4/5) Aroma: grassy hay, caramel, stone fruit, apples, citrus. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, mild tart. (8/10) Medium body, lively carbonation, medium duration warming finish. (4/5)
First time tasting, as part of a series of four from the family (Red, Nocturnum, Tremens, Argentum). Not entirely sure how this is a 2014 vintage if the Julian date on the bottle is 15295 (295th day of 2015), but that’s what the label claims, so…? An interesting beer – very much a Belgian interpretation of an American IPA. Which is to say, despite the fact that it’s dry-hopped with American hops, there’s still a significant (in fact, dominant) Belgian yeast character that lends a barnyardy hay note. Sort of but not entirely like a De Ranke XX. Doesn’t strike me as particularly well balanced, but I enjoyed it regardless – if for no other reason than different is always good. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
