Is German beer drunk at room temperature? Is cold beer only available in Japan? [The truth behind the rumors]

We will answer your questions!

"European beer is lukewarm" Have you ever heard the rumor?

In JapanBeer = ice-cold drinkBut is there actually a European culture of not keeping beer too cold? Or is it just a misunderstanding?

Is it true that beer is lukewarm in Europe? Is it served at room temperature?

"Why is European beer so lukewarm?"

I had this question when I first started traveling in Europe. But to give you the answer right away,"Beer is lukewarm across Europe"BecauseHalf misunderstoodis.

Of course, it may taste lukewarm, but European beer isGenerally, it is served cold.That is it.

In fact, in Europe, beer is generally served well chilled in a refrigerator. In particular, at major breweries and pubs, you can enjoy cold beer just like in Japan, and in the summer, it is common to drink beer chilled in the refrigerator at around 4 degrees, just like in Japan.

but!

If it was stored in a cool environment, such as a basementor,When drinking beer that tastes better at a lukewarm temperatureYou may find that beer tastes "lukewarm" compared to that in Japan.

for exampleIn German beer culture, beer is often stored in cellars.German basements are dry and kept cool, so beer is naturally cooled to the right temperature. This means that you can enjoy beer at a "just right temperature, not lukewarm" just by storing it in the basement.

In Europe, the outside temperature ranges from below freezing to around 4 degrees Celsius.In cold weather, enjoy a beer on the balconyIn fact, in our own home, we use our balcony as a natural refrigerator during the cooler seasons.

Furthermore, if the beer is chilled too much, the balance of the flavor will be lost, so by raising the temperature a little,You can feel the flavor moreThis may be one of the reasons why it is thought that...

What kind of beer tastes best when served lukewarm?

As mentioned above, there are many European beersBeer tastes better when served warmThere is also.

In particular, the following beer styles:If it's too cold, it will lose its flavor.Therefore, it is best enjoyed at a slightly warmer temperature, such as around 10°C or 14°C, depending on the beer style.

Is there a culture of chilling glasses like in Japan?

So, in Europe"The Culture of Chilling Glasses"Is there such a thing?

In Japan, there is a culture of preferring "ice-cold beer," and in izakayas, in particular, the glasses are often chilled to maximize the refreshing taste and smoothness of the beer.

Lager beer, which is the mainstream in Japan, tastes best at low temperatures, so a chilled glass is ideal for preserving the flavor.

This is a common practice in Japan,Not commonly seen in EuropeThat's the reality.

Especially in European countries such as the UK and Belgium,Types of beer glassesIn many cases, people are particular about how they feel about their food, and prefer to eat it colder than colder.The emphasis is on the shape and material of the glass..

It is considered more important to use a glass that will bring out the aroma of the beer rather than a chilled glass, and chilling the glass does not seem to be common.

What is hot beer?

Finally, here is a slightly unique way to drink it:Hot Beer" I would also like to mention ".

Many people may be surprised to hear the term hot beer, but in some European countries, there is a culture of enjoying hot beer during the cold season.

For example, in Germany, it is customary to enjoy hot wine called "mulled wine" in the winter, but there is also "hot beer," which is beer that has been heated up. By adding spices and fruit, you can enjoy a warm beer. Of course, this is an unusual way to drink beer, but it is a popular way to drink beer to warm yourself up on cold winter nights, especially in parts of Germany and Austria.

Hot beer has a very different taste from regular beer. It is basically made by adding spices and fruits to warm beer, so it doesn't have a strong alcoholic taste and can be enjoyed as a drink to warm the body during the cold season.

summary

The idea that beer is lukewarm in Europe and Germany is actually a misconception. European beer is generally served cold, but it is sometimes drunk a little warm, as the flavor is lost if it is too cold.

In addition, there is almost no culture of chilling glasses, and instead, emphasis is placed on choosing the right glass to bring out the best flavor of the beer. Hot beer is a rare way of drinking that is enjoyed in some cold regions.

The next time you enjoy beer in Europe, it might be fun to try a slightly warmer beer and enjoy the unique flavors of that region.

Read more about German beer in the following article: