Different styles of beer and brands will have a different ideal temperature to taste their best. When choosing a temperature for your beer fridge, it’s important to know what’s going to get the beer you stock tasting it’s best.

Why does beer temperature matter?

The temperature of your beer will have a significant impact on how it tastes, with the ideal temperature being when the beer is the most flavourful. In the warmer months you might want it to be as cold as possible, but if you want to get the full flavour then it’s important to get the temperature right.

The optimal temperature varies by the style, colour, and alcohol content of the beer, as well as personal preference. The right balance results in a refreshing drink with all the flavour and aromas present.

How does the temperature affect the taste of the beer?

The temperature for serving beer will depend on it’s fermentation process. The chemical compounds found in beer are triggered in certain temperatures. Colder temperatures mean less carbonation is released, and so the less flavourful the beer will be. Temperatures on the verge of freezing also numb our taste buds, further reducing the amount we can taste. The cold also brings out the bitterness and dryness of the beer, which can feel refreshing but can also be unpleasant when combined with a lack of taste.

If you serve a beer too warm, it will be more flavourful, however bitterness and carbonation will reduce making it taste flat.

How quickly does beer warm up?

The speed which beer warms up will depend on the ambient temperature, but you can expect this to be around 1-2°C every 10 minutes. Using a chilled glass or a beer cooler will slow this down.

So, what temperature should my pub fridge be?

A one size fits all approach doesn’t really work with beer, and the characteristics of each type will have an impact on how it should be served. Here are our recommendations:

Bulk-Produced Beers, Light Lagers and Low Alcohol Beers

Serving Temperature: 1.5-4°C

These beers have been designed to be drunk quickly, at as cold a temperature as possible. They’re smooth and easy to drink.

Wheat Beers, Full Bodied Lagers and German Pilsners

Serving Temperature: 4-7°C

A lot of craft beers will fall into this category and will have been brewed for flavour. Serving them between 4-7°C means you’ll still get a refreshing cold drink with a delicious taste.

Pale Ales, Porters, Reds and Ambers

Serving Temperature: 7-10°C

These should be served a bit warmer than lagers to show off their full flavour. If they get too cold or too hot they will lose their flavour.

Strong Ales, Sour Ales and English Bitters

Serving Temperature: 10-15°C

This category features beers that need more of an acquired taste, and are strong with a full flavour. These can be left out of the beer fridge and stored in a cool cellar.

Dark Beers

Serving Temperature: 14-16°C

These types of beers can be left in a cool cellar or cupboard. They normally have flavour notes such as chocolate, caramel or coffee that get masked at colder temperatures. A warmer temperature is ideal to make the flavour stronger.

What temperature should a beer fridge be?

If you’re stocking a lot of different styles of beer and have limited pub fridges, then it might not be possible to be able to set your fridge at the optimum temperature. If you’re stocking a lot of the big brand names, you’ll probably want to go as cold as possible but if it’s mostly craft beers, 4-7°C is perfect.

The best option if you’re stocking a wide range of beer types is to get multiple bottle coolers, so you can have these set at a range of temperatures.

Gardiff Catering Beer Fridges

We offer a range of glass door beer fridges in various capacities and door types. The range ensures your bottled drinks are kept at the right temperature for the maximum enjoyment of your customers. Like all of our catering equipment, they are designed to cope with the demands of a busy pub, club or bar. A bottle cooler fridge is ideal for optimising your bar design, with a glass door creating a clear display for your beverages.

With options for a single door fridge, double door fridge or triple door bar fridge you can be sure that there is one to suit your requirements. Doors on the bottle fridges can be hinged or sliding depending on what suits your establishment best.