How Can You Ensure Optimal Beer Temperature?
Everyone knows that beer is best served in a frosty mug or from a can that was pulled out of a mountain of ice cubes, right?
Well, not necessarily.
Tips from the Experts
Here’s the quick and dirty answer: If it’s a mass-produced beer or if it contains some version of the word “light” in its name, it’s best enjoyed colder than the dark side of Pluto.
On the other hand, if it’s a craft ale or lager – or a delicious homebrew — the answer is likely different. Here’s a quick guide from our friends at Beer & Brewing Magazine:
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35–40°F (2–4°C): Mass-marketed light lagers- 40–45°F (4–7°C): Czech and German pilsners, Munich Helles, wheat beers, and Kölsch
- 45–50°F (7–10°C): IPAs, American pale ales, porters, and most stouts
- 50–55°F (10–13°C): Belgian ales, sour ales, bocks, English bitters and milds, Scottish ales
- 55–60°F (13–16°C): Barleywines, imperial stouts, Belgian strong ales, and doppelbocks
When in doubt, remember this rule of thumb: Light-bodied and low-alcohol beer tastes better cold, while full-bodied and high-alcohol examples are better warmer.
The Taste-Temperature Connection
Did you know that the temperature of a food or drink affects your ability to taste its nuances?
Temperature, in fact, has a profound effect on our taste buds. The chemical compounds that are responsible for the myriad of aromas and flavors we love in our food (and beer) are variously activated and suppressed according to temperature.
Warmth usually makes a flavor more perceptible, while cold tends to suppress it. Choosing just the right temperature ensures that these constituent chemicals remain properly in balance as you enjoy your craft beer or homebrew.
Ensuring Optimal Temperature
But even if you’re a real beer aficionado, you’re unlikely to have umpteen different fridges set at different temperatures for the wide variety of brews you may enjoy. So what’s a beer lover to do?
The answer is literally at your fingertips. Set your fridge temp for the coolest variety of your current on-hand stock and then remove the bottle until it reaches the target temperature for optimal enjoyment.
But if I leave my favorite beverage sitting out, won’t it get too warm?
Technology to the Rescue!
Not with modern technology to the rescue, care of your friends at Custom Craft & Trophy. Our partnership with Polar Camel brings the latest in insulated drinkware directly to you. Regardless of the optimum temperature for your favorite brewski, we’ve got you covered!
From insulated growlers to beverage holders for bottles to brand new (as in, not even on their website yet) fully insulated pilsner glasses. So we’ve got your beer temp dilemma under control. But as they say on those 2 a.m. infomercials — WAIT! THERE’S MORE!
The absolute best news is that the superheroes at Custom Craft & Trophy can emblazon your logo or favorite saying on your Polar Camel. Our customization experts can add virtually any design or wording you choose. We’ll work with you to create a beer holder masterpiece. Something you’d be proud to use yourself… or give to others as a promotional product or personalized gift.
And that’s worth raising a glass to!
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