Who owns KIRIN BEER?

KIRIN BEER is owned by

KIRIN BREWERY CO LTD.

Outside of the United States

and

ANHEUSER-BUSCH INBEV

Inside of the United States (Until 2025)

KIRIN BEER
First Brewed

1885

Origin

Japan, Asia

Website

Delirium is the lead brand of beer for Brouwerij Huyghe, which was founded in 1906 by Léon Huyghe in Melle, Belgium. As Belgian beer saw an increased interest by the American market in the twentieth century, the company sought to expand its presence and add brands made for export. In 1989, the Delirium brand was launched with Delirium Tremens, an 8.5% golden strong ale. The beer’s name comes from the clinical name for alcohol withdrawal for severe alcoholics, also known as “the DTs.” When the company began exporting the beer to the United States, the Federal Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issued a complaint due to the name, and the product was pulled from shelves. As a result, the beer became known as “Mateen Tripel” within the United States until 1998, when the TTB relented and the name was restored.

That same year, Delirium won a gold medal at the Chicago World Beer Championship (not to be confused with the World Beer Cup). The brand family has added several other styles to its portfolio, including Delirium Nocturnum (a Belgian strong dark ale), Delirium Christmas (a spiced winter ale), and Deliria (a strong blond ale marketed towards women and brewed on International Women’s Day every year).

Since launching, Delirium has become Brouwerij Huyghe’s number one seller, accounting for about half of the brewery’s output. With a focus on the export market, Delirium is now sold in over 85 countries throughout the world. The brewery is still family owned by the descendents of Léon Huyghe. Since 1992, the Brouwerij Huyghe company has been managed by CEO Alain De Laet, the great-grandson of Huyghe.

Popular Beers by this Brand

  • Ichiban Lager
  • Kirin Light

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