4 years later, Huyghe bought the brewery and named it “Brouwerij-Mouterij den Appel”. During the First World War, several breweries were heavily affected, including Huyghe’s brewery. The occupying forces had claimed many of their brewing-coppers, and they had to be replaced as soon as possible in order to resume their brewing activities.

In 1936, the construction of a new complex started along the Geraardbergsesteenweg. This new building will accommodate the brewery from 1939 onwards. The new complex contained a brewery-hall, which is still the pride of the brewery.

Delirium Tremens got its name from the medical term that refers to severe symptoms alcoholics can experience during withdrawal, such as tremors, confusion, and hallucinations. Consequently, seeing pink elephants was a popular euphemism for the medical condition back in the early 20th century, which explains the adorable pink creature on every bottle of Delirium Tremens!

The ale, like its name, is known for its potency with its whopping 8.5% ABV. Strong, smooth, and uniquely flavourful, one sip is sure to get you hooked! Just be careful not to actually reach the stage of delirium tremens while you’re sipping on this beer. After all, the name was coined by a tax collector who casually remarked that he would get delirium tremens if he continued chugging the addictive brew.

In 1992, the Brotherhood of the Pink Elephant from Melle was founded to promote the age-old traditions of Melle’s local beers - specifically the Delirium Tremens - both at home and abroad. The Brotherhood aims to restore the standing of Melle’s local beers in the gastronomic and culinary world. The Brotherhood is also active on a social level by hosting various activities whose proceeds are donated in full to the Child Psychiatry ward of the psychiatric institute - Caritas - in Melle.

In addition, the creator of the adorable pink elephant also believes in sustainability. In fact, the brewery aims to become the greenest brewery in Belgium, with its commitment to clean energy, its recycling efforts, and its investment in sustainable equipment.

Today, Huyghe Brewery is one of the largest independent breweries in Belgium and exports its beers to more than 100 countries around the world. The brewery is still owned and operated by the Huyghe family and remains committed to producing high-quality, innovative beers.