Beer Drinking: Cold Or Not?

There is a common misconception that beer cannot be warmed up and then cooled down again after it has been refrigerated. However, this is not true. While beer is preferably stored at a steady cool temperature, it is perfectly fine to store it at room temperature, and it will not harm the beer. In fact, most craft beer is stored at room temperature at breweries and during shipping. It is only right before being sold that beer is typically refrigerated for the first time.

Beer can be warmed and then cooled again

A quick temperature change from cool to warm is worse for beer than letting it slowly warm up and then cooling it again. If you are going to consume the beer within the next 30-45 days, letting it warm up and then cooling it again will not significantly affect the flavour. However, if you are planning to store the beer for the long term, it is best to keep it refrigerated and avoid temperature fluctuations.

Hoppy beers are more sensitive to temperature changes, so it is best to avoid letting these beers warm up and then cooling them again. Additionally, a 30-degree temperature swing in 5 minutes will negatively impact the beer's long-term stability. So, while it is generally safe to warm and then cool beer again, it is important to do so gradually and avoid extreme temperature changes.

In conclusion, beer can be warmed and then cooled again without causing significant harm to the beer, especially if it is consumed within 30-45 days. However, for the best quality and longevity, it is recommended to store beer at a consistently cool temperature and avoid temperature fluctuations.

Beer is shipped and stored at room temperature

Beer is often shipped and stored at room temperature, and it won't spoil if it's allowed to come to room temperature and then re-chilled. However, it's important to note that storing beer at higher temperatures will affect its taste and longevity.

Beer is an organic product, and like any food, it will eventually spoil. Even when stored in ideal conditions, beer won't last forever. The minute it's brewed, beer begins its long, slow decay. Heat causes this process to speed up, leading to off-flavours and smells. The general rule is that beer stored at higher temperatures for shorter periods will taste as old as beer stored at lower temperatures for more extended periods. For example, according to Craft Beer USA, "beer stored at 100°F for one week tastes as old as beer stored at 70°F for two months, or as old as beer stored at 40°F for one year."

Additionally, several chemical reactions can occur at higher temperatures, such as oxidation, which can create the classic wet paper or cardboard aromas that signal "this beer is old." The Arrhenius equation states that for every 10°C (18°F) increase in temperature, the chemical reaction rate doubles. Therefore, keeping beer cool will slow down the oxidation process.

To maintain optimal flavour and freshness, it's best to store beer at cooler temperatures. While light mass-market pale ales (like Miller, Coors Lite, and Budweiser) are delightful at icy temperatures (35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit), other beers, such as IPAs, Imperial Stouts, and craft beers, benefit from being served at slightly higher temperatures to bring out their full flavour. Storing beer at room temperature can cause it to taste old or oxidized, with a sweet or cloying character that deviates from the intended style.

In summary, while beer can be shipped and stored at room temperature without immediate spoilage, it is not ideal for maintaining its freshness and flavour. To prolong the life of your beer and enjoy it at its best, it's recommended to store it at cooler temperatures.

Beer is best refrigerated but warming up is not a big deal

Beer is best enjoyed cold, straight out of the fridge. However, if you're in a situation where your beer has warmed up, don't fret! Warming up beer is not a big deal and is a common misconception.

Beer enthusiasts and brewers alike will advocate for always keeping your beer refrigerated. This is because beer is best stored cold and will last longer if maintained at a steady cool temperature. Buying beer at a store and then storing it outside the fridge until consumption won't significantly impact its quality.

In reality, most craft beer is stored at room temperature at the brewery, shipped, and stored in warehouses at various temperatures before it even reaches the store. It's only then that it may be refrigerated for the first time. While it's not ideal to let a refrigerated beer warm up, it's also not a significant issue. A quick temperature change from cool to warm is more detrimental to the beer than a gradual warming.

Hoppy beers are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations, but if you plan to consume the beer within 30-45 days, 1-2 temperature changes won't noticeably affect its flavour. Most hoppy beers should be consumed within this timeframe anyway, as you don't know how long they've been sitting on store shelves.

So, while it's preferable to keep your beer refrigerated, don't stress too much if it warms up. Just remember, a quick temperature change is more harmful than letting your beer gradually return to room temperature.

Quick temperature changes are worse for beer

It is a common misconception that beer cannot be warmed and then chilled again. Gradual temperature changes from the fridge to room temperature do not affect the beer. Beer goes through a few such temperature fluctuations during distribution.

However, quick and drastic temperature changes can affect the appearance of the beer. For example, a beer that is poured cold straight from the fridge may have a slight haze that clears as it warms. If the beer is warmed and cooled multiple times, this haze may become permanent. While this affects the appearance of the beer, it does not impact its flavour, aroma, or mouthfeel.

Additionally, the time spent warm will increase the degradation of the beer due to oxygen. This can be more noticeable depending on how long the beer is left at higher temperatures.

Therefore, while quick temperature changes can affect the appearance of beer, they do not seem to have a significant impact on its taste or quality.

Beer is not a cure for the common cold

While it is believed that drinking a beer or any other alcoholic beverage can help with the common cold, it is not a cure. There is some evidence that drinking a small amount of alcohol may reduce the number of colds people get per year. However, there is no cure for the common cold. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advise people who do not currently drink to avoid starting for any reason.

According to a 2015 review, this may be because moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to enhance immune function. More recent and large-scale studies are nevertheless needed to verify this.

On the other hand, excessive alcohol consumption is highly damaging to human health and increases the risk of infection. Long-term alcohol use can make a person 3–7 times more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, including colds.

While alcohol may provide temporary relief, it can prolong symptoms by increasing dehydration. It is also important to note that alcohol cannot treat or cure the common cold.

Although alcohol cannot treat colds, there is limited evidence that moderate consumption of alcohol may help reduce the frequency of colds. For instance, a 2012 study compared the rate of colds among 899 males in Japan. Of the participants, 83.4% reported drinking alcohol, and 55.4% reported having at least one cold in the last year. On average, the participants who did not drink at all were more likely to experience two more episodes of the common cold during the study than those who drank 11.5 to 35.8 grams (g), or 0.49 to 1.53 fluid ounces (fl oz), of alcohol per day.

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