Delirium Nocturnum (pack of 4) (33cl, 8.5%)

A Belgian dark strong ale from Huyghe Brewery in Melle, East Flanders, Belgium, sold as four 330ml bottles. It undergoes triple fermentation using three separate yeast strains and a grain bill built from five different malts. The beer is top-fermented and bottle-conditioned with living yeast, so its flavour profile continues to evolve in the bottle. The aroma brings rich red fruit and dates, fresh bread and berry notes, with deeper chocolate, toffee and gentle spice as it warms. The palate opens with a soft, full mouthfeel carrying dark chocolate, caramel, mocha, honey and banana, then anise and coriander spice with a touch of licorice. A rising bitterness from hops and roasted malts builds toward a balance of bitter, sour and sweet. The finish is long, warm and gently bitter, with lingering red fruit and faint tartness, the roasted and chocolate malt character carrying through to the end.