In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most recognisable beers in the world: Delirium Tremens. The pink elephant, the distinctive bottle and that rather memorable name have made this Belgian strong golden ale an obvious contender for our bucket list — but there’s a lot more to the beer than its instantly recognisable branding. We taste Delirium Tremens alongside Delirio, the alcohol-free version, and Delirium Red, and talk about what we actually think of the beers rather than simply accepting their legendary status. We also get into the history behind the brand, the story of the pink elephant and our own experiences of visiting Delirium Café in Brussels — including why somewhere that sounds like a beer lover’s paradise can also be a slightly overwhelming experience!
But the biggest conversation in this episode is about the name “Delirium Tremens” and the uncomfortable reality behind it. We explore why the name has attracted criticism, including reactions from people who have experienced alcohol withdrawal, and discuss the restrictions that have affected the beer’s name and branding in different markets. It leads us into a wider conversation about whether a beer name can be playful when it references something that can be genuinely serious and traumatic, and whether changing part of the name goes far enough when the pink elephant imagery remains. We also look at the Brotherhood of the Pink Elephant and the role it plays in the Delirium story, including its charitable work.
And, of course, this is a bucket list beer episode, so we have to decide whether Delirium Tremens actually deserves its place on the list! We dig into its ratings, reputation and popularity, answer some of the questions we found on Reddit about the beer’s price and strength, and consider whether the Delirium Café experience might actually be the bigger bucket-list attraction. By the end, we reveal our verdict — and share which Delirium beers we’d recommend trying if you want to explore beyond the famous pink elephant.
The History of Delirium:
https://www.delirium.be/en/history
Vinepair article about Delirium:
https://vinepair.com/articles/delirium-tremens/
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