Room-Temperature Beer: A Cheaper, Greener Alternative?

There are many factors to consider when it comes to buying beer, and temperature is one of them. While some beer enthusiasts claim to buy beer at room temperature, the majority of beer drinkers prefer their beer chilled. The belief that temperature cycling ruins beer is a myth, and in reality, temperature cycling has little to no effect on its freshness. However, keeping beer at room temperature can reduce its shelf life and affect its flavor.

Beer shelf life

Light beers, including pale ales, wheat beers, lagers, and IPAs, are usually lower in alcohol and should be consumed within three to twelve months of their packaging date. Heavier beers, such as stouts and porters, have a longer shelf life of about six months. Barrel-aged beers, including sour ales and imperial beers, tend to have higher alcohol content and need time to reach their peak flavour. These beers can benefit from longer storage and can be candidates for cellaring.

Beer in kegs is best used sooner rather than later, and packaged beer should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. Beer stored in the refrigerator can last beyond its expiration date, with unopened bottles, cans, and growlers lasting up to two or three years. At room temperature, beer lasts about five to nine months beyond its expiration date. Opened beer has a much shorter shelf life, lasting only about a day, regardless of whether it is refrigerated or not.

Beer Storage Tips

To maximise the shelf life of beer, it should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from temperature fluctuations, and upright to minimise oxidation. Exposure to sunlight, oxygen, and bacteria can cause beer to spoil. Refrigeration helps to slow down the aging process and protect beer from the effects of UV rays and heat.

Beer flavour

Temperature is a critical factor that can affect the taste, aroma, and overall quality of beer. The ideal temperature for storing beer is usually between 2°C and 7°C, but the optimal temperature varies depending on the type of beer. For example, a pale ale or lager should be served colder at around 4°C, while a stout or porter should be served slightly warmer at around 10°C to bring out their full flavour.

When beer is too cold, it can lose its flavour and aroma, making it difficult to detect its full range of flavours. Very cold temperatures can also suppress carbonation, resulting in a flat or lifeless taste. On the other hand, when beer is too warm, it can taste overly sweet or bitter, and it can develop an unpleasant smell, affecting its overall taste.

For bottled beer, the ideal serving temperature is slightly warmer than the typical fridge temperature, at 4°C to 6°C. Standard lager and kegs are best served at 5°C to 8°C, while cask ales are perfect at 11°C to 13°C.

Some people prefer to keep "quality" beer at room temperature as some of the more subtle "flavour notes" are harder to detect when the beer is very cold. Additionally, ice-cold temperatures can ruin the drinking experience by numbing the palate, rendering the tongue incapable of discerning many of the beer's flavours.

However, it is important to note that beer that is too warm can also negatively impact the drinking experience. Therefore, it is recommended to store and serve beer within the optimal temperature range to ensure the best flavour, aroma, and overall quality.

Beer temperature myths

There are several misconceptions about the ideal temperature for storing and serving beer. Here are some of the most common myths and the facts behind them:

Myth 1: Beer Should Always Be Served Ice Cold

While many people prefer their beer ice cold, the ideal serving temperature varies depending on the type of beer. For example, ales are typically served at cellar temperature, which is slightly colder than room temperature but not as chilled as lagers or IPAs. Serving beer at a colder temperature can mask the flavour, and some argue that you should be able to taste the subtle flavour notes of a quality beer. However, some beers, such as IPAs, are best when kept cold to preserve their hoppy flavours.

Myth 2: Temperature Cycling Ruins Beer

It is a common belief that allowing beer to warm up and then cooling it again will "skunk" the beer. However, this is a myth. Temperature cycling has little to no effect on beer freshness. Beer imported from Europe, for example, undergoes multiple temperature changes during transportation and does not arrive "skunked". While temperature does affect beer, it is exposure to consistently warm temperatures that can impact its flavour and shelf life.

Myth 3: Europeans Prefer Warm Beer

This myth likely originated during World War II when American soldiers in Britain encountered beer served at cellar temperature, which was cooler than room temperature but not as cold as they were used to. The misconception persisted, and many still believe that Europeans, particularly Brits, prefer their beer warm. However, this is not the case. While some beers are served at cellar temperature, most beers in Europe are served chilled, just like in other parts of the world.

Myth 4: Room Temperature Beer Is a Sign of Low Quality

In some cultures, it is believed that drinks of higher quality, such as fine wine, should be served at room temperature to appreciate their flavours fully. Conversely, it is assumed that chilled drinks are of lower quality, and therefore, need to be served cold to mask their lack of flavour. While this may be true for some beverages, it is not always the case for beer. Many craft beers and speciality brews are served at room temperature or slightly chilled, not because they are of inferior quality, but because it is the optimal temperature for savouring their unique flavours.

Myth 5: All Beers Are Affected by Temperature in the Same Way

Different types of beers can be affected by temperature changes differently. For example, with sour beers, the impact of temperature depends on the souring process used. For kettle-soured beers, where the bacteria are killed during boiling, temperature changes have minimal effect. On the other hand, for barrel-aged sours with live bacteria, chilling the beer for extended periods can cause the yeast and bacteria to become dormant, reducing their impact on the flavour.

Beer storage

Beer is highly sensitive to temperature, and proper storage plays a crucial role in preserving its flavour and freshness. In general, beer is best stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Consistency in temperature is also vital, as fluctuations can negatively affect the beer's condition.

Ideally, beer should be stored at temperatures between 11°C and 13°C (52°F and 55°F), which is known as "cellar temperature." This range strikes a balance between preserving the beer's flavour and maintaining its freshness. Storing beer at room temperature can significantly reduce its shelf life, dropping it from nearly six months to only a few weeks. Additionally, exposing beer to very warm temperatures can alter its flavour within a couple of days.

However, it is important to note that temperature cycling, or the act of beer warming up and then cooling again, does not significantly affect beer freshness. This is because temperature changes during transportation or storage are minimal and do not impact the beer's overall quality. Nevertheless, consistent temperatures are still recommended to maintain optimal flavour and freshness.

For retailers facing space constraints, it is worth considering that some beer enthusiasts are open to purchasing beer at room temperature, especially if it is intended for later consumption or home storage. However, certain styles, such as IPAs, are more temperature-sensitive and should be kept chilled to preserve their hoppy characteristics. Ultimately, the preference for chilled or room-temperature beer varies among consumers, and providing a range of temperature options can cater to diverse tastes and needs.

Beer transportation

Temperature Control:

• Maintaining cool temperatures is crucial to preserving beer quality. The ideal storage temperature ranges from 45°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C).
• Beer stored above 21°C may undergo accelerated ageing, loss of bitterness, and haze formation, especially when combined with motion during transport.
• Temperatures above 30°C can cause taint contamination due to lacquer breakdown in cans or crown corks.
• However, temperatures below 5°C can lead to package damage, such as split cans or broken bottles, if the beer freezes.
• Fluctuating temperatures during transport and storage should be avoided to maintain beer freshness.

Packaging and Protection:

• Cardboard packaging with plastic foil provides the best combination of thermal insulation and vibration damping characteristics during transport.
• Secure packaging is essential, especially for fragile craft beers, to prevent breakage and spoilage.
• Label protection is also important, as extreme temperatures can cause adhesives to soften, leading to labels peeling off.

Transportation and Distribution:

• Beer should be kept cool during the entire transportation process to slow down flavour changes.
• Wrapping beer in Styrofoam, newspaper, or packing peanuts can help prevent jostling and temperature fluctuations.
• Refrigerated trucks and vans should be set between 37°F and 45°F (approximately 3°C to 7°C) during transportation for optimal beer preservation.
• The mode of transport (trucks, trains, ships, or planes) can expose beer to various vibrations and shocks, which can negatively impact beer quality.

In summary, preserving the quality of beer during transportation requires a combination of temperature control, appropriate packaging, and minimising vibrations and shocks. By prioritising these factors, importers and logistics providers can ensure that beer reaches consumers with its intended flavours and characteristics intact.

Frequently asked questions