There have been many beer ads where they are pulled out of ice buckets, which makes many people think that beers must be served and consumed at sub-zero temperatures. However, it’s not always the case for all types of beers.
For craft beer lovers, aroma and flavour are what make beers great. The growth of beer consumption in the market also suggests that most drinkers now prefer quality, great tasting beer as their drink of choice. Knowing what beer temperature is required to release the full range of aromas and flavours when the beer was originally brewed, is important for maximum enjoyment.
The Right Beer Temperature for Serving
To experience beer flavours at its peak, there are a few general rules to consider:
- Light beers are cold and dark beers are warm
- When it comes to alcohol content, weak beers are cold and strong beers are warm
- Beers are served a bit colder than normal to allow natural warming as they are drunk
With so many variations of beer brews, let us check some of the beer varieties and their ideal temperature when served:
- Pilsners/Pale Lagers
Thirty-eight degrees is the ideal temperature for most pilsners and lagers, with an acceptable range of low-to-mid 40s. Pilsners are traditionally served at 38 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as for IPLs (Indian Pale Lagers) or the hoppy American styles. However, as the beer warms up, you get more expression with the hops.
- Wheat Beers
There are many variations of wheat beers: Belgian-style wit, American wheat ale, hefeweizen, and the Berliner-style Weisse. These yeasty, cloudy beers are best served at the 40-45 degrees range. For the Hefe beer, which goes heavier on yeast-driven banana and clove aroma and lighter on the hop, it’s best to serve them at a slightly warmer temperature.
- Indian Pale Ale
Pinning down on one temperature range for IPAs is pointless since they have a variable range for sub-styles and flavours. Ideally, IPAs are great with a temperature higher than refrigerator temperature, which is roughly about 38 degrees. This allows all the citrusy, dank, piney, herbal, and tropical flavour and aroma compounds to shine. Depending on the beer’s alcohol level, hop composition, and balance, temperature could range as low as 45 degrees and as high as 55 degrees.
- Marzen/Amber/Oktoberbestfest Lagers
Darker lagers like Oktoberfest or Marzen-style lagers, Vienna-style or amber lagers, serving temperature can go slightly warmer at 45 to 50 degrees range. Doppelbock or Dunkels, which are stronger lagers, will do great at 50 degrees.
- Porter/Black Ale/Sout
These beer variations do well at 45 to 50 degrees range, with stout normally starting at 44 degrees then warming it up as you drink. Nitro stouts do well at the lower range of 45 degrees while the typical American stouts can go at 50 degrees to allow the chocolate and coffee notes to really stand out.
Is Warm Beer Not Good?
Ideally, to enjoy a full-bodied beer with complex flavours, it must be served at a warm temperature. It must be noted that the warmer the beer is, the more flavours are exposed. The next time you get served with a warm dark ale or stout, do not complain. As the beer warms up, the volatilizations of flavours and aromas increase, letting you experience the beer components in greater detail.
These are only guidelines to help you get the best beer taste and aromas. You will also need to experiment and find out what you enjoy the most.
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