Huyghe Brewery Delirium Noel

Delirium Noel is a 750ml bottle of Belgian-style beer, listed here as a Massachusetts-made release. The "Noel" name points to a winter or Christmas seasonal. Seasonal Belgian ales of this kind are usually strong, dark and malt-forward, so expect a higher ABV than a standard pale ale. The bottle label is the place to confirm the exact strength, since none is listed in the product details. Expect the typical profile of the style: a deep amber to mahogany pour, with caramelized sugar, dark fruit such as raisin, plum and fig, and a light spice character from Belgian yeast, often hinting at clove, pepper or orange peel. Bitterness in this category is generally restrained, with hops there to balance the sweetness rather than lead. The carbonation tends to be lively, which keeps the malt weight from feeling heavy. Because the beer is bottle-conditioned in many Belgian-style examples, pour gently and watch for yeast sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Serve it cool rather than ice cold, around 10 to 13°C (50 to 55°F). Pull it from the fridge about 15 minutes before pouring. Too cold a serving mutes the dark-fruit and spice notes, while a little warmth lets them open up. A tulip glass or a goblet suits it best, because the wide bowl gathers aroma and the flared rim supports the foam head. A large wine glass works as a substitute. At the table, the sweetness and spice make it a natural partner for roast duck, glazed ham, pork belly and braised short ribs. Aged Gouda, Comté or washed-rind cheeses hold up well to its body. For dessert, try gingerbread, fruitcake, sticky toffee pudding or a simple dark chocolate square. The size of the 750ml bottle makes it a good fit for sharing across a meal, and it can also be cellared briefly, as strong Belgian-style ales often soften and round out with some time.