I’m often surprised by how much the flavor of beer changes as it warms in a glass. Up to a point, I find it typically gets more complex and enjoyable, and I’ve wondered if I can keep my beer fridge cooler without the beer “going bad” more quickly. Is that even a reasonable concern? Eager to hear your thoughts.
Like many things, beer keeps better at lower temperatures. Serving temperatures definitely change beer character, so the best experience generally comes from serving at a temperature appropriate for the style.
I keep my fridge very cold and let the beer open up in the glass if need be.
Charlie Bamforth teaches a distinct link between temperature and freshness. He also recommends keeping beer in the dark. Cold and dark.
Agree with everything here. Store as cold as possible without freezing. Serve at the temp you like best. For me, that’s a little warmer in the winter and a little colder in the summer. If the beer is too cold you can pop it in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to warm it quickly.
Just to add to this thread. I keep my lagering/carbonation freezer at about 35 degrees F. I serve at around 44 degrees F. YMMV and darker beers taste better at slightly warmer temps than lighter ones do to my palate and 44 seems to be the sweet spot for me…
Same here
This is a good article on serving temps from Craft Beer & Brewing.
I usually keep mine set around 38F
My beer fridge, used both for the kegs and bottled/canned brew, stays at 36 degrees. That works for me, with the aim being to retain freshness where colder is better because it slows transformative processes. I pour some of my beers with a little “lead time” and let them sit to warm before drinking. Another trick is to warm the glass. I find mid 40s is the range where flavors bloom more for me, though that’s too warm for yellow lagers IMO. It’s interesting to observe how a beer changes over a range of temperatures.
Truly excellent replies. Thanks, all.
I’m in the minority, I keep mine at 41
That’s the sweet spot for me too.
I’m another for 38°. I prefer just about any beer once it’s warmed up a bit.