The Huyghe-Melle Brewery is a family owned, independent Belgian brewery. Brouwerij Huyghe Melle is the only active brewery situated close to the city of Ghent and has been in existence since 1654. They brew Delirium Tremens which was voted "Best Beer in the World" by specialist in 1997. The brewery was called Brouwerij Mouterij den Appel when it was opened in 1654. Leon Huyghe bought the brewery in 1906. In 1938, "Apell" became the private limited company "Brewery Leon Huyghe". The new brew house which is still the pride of the brewery, was installed one year later. In 1985 the local family-owned brewery evolved into a modern high-fermentation brewery with an eye for export beginning with France.