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There is nothing better than an ice cold beer in the heat of the summer sun. What better way to refresh after a hard days work than to unwind with friends over a crisp cold beer? What does it matter what the ideal temperature is, if you like ice cold beer then drink ice cold beer? To these thoughts I would ultimately say that you should drink what you want and how you want to drink it. But I would also like to suggest that a little understanding of how a beer should be served would ultimately go a long way to increase the enjoyment of the beer no end.

Particular drinks are brewed differently and the temperature in which it is drunk can change the way it tastes significantly. Brewers can usually suggest the best possible temperature that would bring out each beers own unique characteristics, so it is always best to consult the label. Serving a crisp light pilsner lukewarm would be an insult to the beer drinker. Super chilling a fine delicate Belgian beer would be a crime against nature, to me at least.

So which drinks should be served at what temperatures? Lagers such as pilsners should be served the coldest of them all but; all too frequently they are served much colder. Most experts recommend the ideal temperature to be about 40-45. The term "ice cold beer" sounds so appealing, but in reality no beer should be served cooler than 40. This relates to around the standard fridge temperature for most people.

Ales (when I refer to ales I mean "real ale" or "cask conditioned"), should be served at around 50a little warmer than its lager equivalent. A slight chill is fine, but drink this much colder and you run the risk of "freezing out" the taste. The best way to achieve this temperature would be to take it out of the fridge and leave it to stand for 10 minutes or so before consuming it, that is if you can wait that long - remember the anticipation is part of the drink.

Other drinks such as certain types of pale ales or Belgian beers require even less chill. I would personally even prefer good Belgian ale closer to room temperature if not at room temperature itself. However Belgian wheat beers are an exception and should possess a little chill, about the same as a standard ale or cooler.

Of course there is no point in having the beer at the correct temperature if the glass is not. Frosted glasses are ok for particular types of lagers, but should not be used for anything else. Belgian beers in particular need to be ideally served in their own branded glass if this is at all possible, as the style and shape are uniquely made to suit each subtle aroma and texture.

It does come down to personal choice in the end but having a general idea as to what is the correct temperature will definitely start you on the right footing. There seems to be a latest craze for drinks served "extra cold" and or bars selling "super-chilled beers", it begs the question, of how good is the quality of such products if they are best served at these icicle infusing temperatures? No, I will have my beers slightly chilled thanks and actually taste the beer, but each to his own; the main thing is to enjoy the beer after all.

Learn more about this author, John Gray.
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