People often ask me, “Scott, you’re a beer critic. So what’s your favorite beer?”
OK, so only two people have asked me that since I started writing the column.
But since this is the last week of classes and hence my last column, I figured I might as well answer that burning question that is undoubtedly on the minds of my readers.
I first came across Delirium Tremens about three years ago when my cousin, who is also big on exotic beers, was given a couple bottles of Tremens and its sister brew, Delirium Nocturnum, as a Christmas gift from his roommate.
Delirium is produced by the Huyghe Brewery in Melle, Belgium. This is really where my love of Belgian beers began.
Tremens had recently been named ‘Best beer in the world’ at the World Beer Championships and in Stuart Kallen’s book,”The 50 Greatest Beers in the World” as well. Needless to say, I was excited.
But as I had my first sip I thought, “Wait a minute, that’s it?”
It was tasty, but I wasn’t sure I could consider it the best in the world. I only had a couple sips before my cousin greedily took back his pint glass (and rightfully so).
It wouldn’t be until about a year later that I would try it again. I was getting a sandwich at Sandy’s — some of you may remember their tasty deli before they turned into just a liquor store — when I decided to browse the beer selection.
Low and behold, there sat a 750mL bottle of Delirium Tremens. I decided I’d give it another shot. I picked up the Tremens and a bottle of Köstritzer Schwarzbier. I’ve been a fan of the Köstritzer for awhile and I figured if I didn’t enjoy the Tremens again at least I’d have something I did like.
This time, with a full bottle at my disposal, it didn’t disappoint.
The term Delirium Tremens is actually defined as an acute episode of alcohol withdrawal. And after I drank that first full bottle I was kicking myself for buying that stupid Köstritzer instead of another Tremens.
It hooked me, just like that.
The funny thing is, it’s very hard for me to explain what I feel the beer tastes like. It has such a complex flavor. It’s fruity, spicy, mellow and strong all at the same time. The beer smells absolutely amazing. The nose is fairly fruity. You can almost taste the apples and oranges.
But the taste combines so many flavors into one extreme burst of awesomeness. Each sip can provide such a different experience. The best thing about this beer in my opinion is that it can be enjoyed under any circumstance. It could be a hot summer afternoon or a chilly winter’s night and still Tremens would be the perfect compliment to the situation.
As good as it is out of the bottle, I recently had my first pint on tap at the Yard House in Pasadena and it was even tastier.
I know this is the end of the line for a lot of you seniors. This is the last weekend for you to go out and get drunk before you join the real world.
Don’t settle for the “Natty” or Bud Light coming from the keg. It’s a very strong beer, 8.5 percent, so it’s the perfect beer to relax with at home before you hit that boring house party or those stale bars. Treat yourself to a Tremens if you get a chance, you won’t regret it.
Scott Silvey is a journalism senior, the Mustang Daily sports editor and beer critic.