Much like wine, beer also needs to be served at just the right temperature to make it truly enjoyable. By chilling beer just right and serving it at the right temperature, you will highlight all of those delicious flavours. It is also worth mentioning that not all types of beer are the same and this means that the ideal serving temperature will vary. Here’s what you need to know.

Best temperature

The best temperature at which you should serve beer is between cellar temperature and ‘ice cold’. When chilling beer, you need to take note of the type of beer you are serving since this will determine the ideal temperature.

Serving ales

Canadian and American beers as well as Scandinavian Cider, Golden Ale, Pale Lager and Cream Ale should be served between 0 and 4 degrees. Plsner, which is a fruit beer, should be served at 4 – 7 degrees. The same goes for European Strong Lagers.

Warmer beers

If you are serving Amber Ale, English-style Golden Ale, Irish Ale, Belgian Ale, Stout, Spanish Cider or French Cider, you should chill them to 8 – 12 degrees. In other words, chilling beer of these varieties will not take as long as many other types of ale or lager.

Bitter varieties

Strong Ales, Flemish Sour Ale, Scottish Ale, English Cider and bitter beers are best served between 12 and 14 degrees. This range of temperatures is what experts refer to as cellar temperature.

Spicing it up

Chilling beer means that you will either need to store it in a cellar to maintain the appropriate temperature or refrigerating before serving. Of course, some beers can be served warm or even as hot as 70 degrees! Spiced winter ales are a delicious treat during the colder months of the year.

If you are planning on sending a beer hamper to a friend or loved one, remember that the contents list will include the names and types of each beer included. If you like, you can provide the recipient with some handy beer serving tips based on each type of beer. Let them know at what temperature each bottle should be enjoyed for maximum flavour.