Yoko, a European beer loverIs it true that beer is lukewarm in Europe?
Why no cold beer?
We will answer your questions!
- Why European beer is lukewarm (cold beer is actually the norm)
- Types of beer that taste better at lukewarm temperatures
- Is there a culture of chilling glasses in Europe?
- Unexpected ways to enjoy hot beer
Have you ever heard the rumor that "European beer is lukewarm"?
Is it true that Europeans don't actually keep their beer too cold? Or is this just a misunderstanding?
In this article, I will tell you about the actual beer situation in Europe, the types of beer that taste good at lukewarm temperatures, and more, including some of my own experiences.
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 was traveling in Europe. However, the fact is that in Europe, the reason for "lukewarm beer" isHalf misunderstoodOf course, it may feel 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, and you can enjoy cold beer just like in Japan, especially at major breweries and pubs.
However, during hot summer days or if the beer is stored in a cool environment such as a basement, it may feel "lukewarm."
For example, in German beer culture, beer is often stored in basements. German basements are dry and have a constant temperature, so beer is naturally cooled to the right temperature, and you can enjoy beer at "just the right temperature, not lukewarm" just by storing it in the basement. This is said to be one of the reasons why beer can sometimes be perceived as "lukewarm beer."
Furthermore, if the beer is chilled too much, the flavor balance will be lost, so it is believed that by deliberately raising the temperature a little, you can enjoy the flavor more.
In other words,In Europe, the culture of not cooling the drink too much is more prevalent than keeping it lukewarm.It can be said that.
What kind of beer tastes best when served lukewarm?
There are certain characteristics of beer that can be enjoyed at a lukewarm temperature. In Europe, some beer styles lose their flavor when served too cold, so they are best enjoyed at a slightly lukewarm temperature.
- Ale
Ale beers, which are popular in the UK and Belgium, have a complex flavor that stands out when served at a lukewarm temperature. For example, ales served in pubs are often served slightly lukewarm, rather than cold, straight from the fridge. By raising the temperature a little, you can enjoy the fruity aroma and complex flavor, which also creates an exquisite taste. - Stout and Porter
Stouts and porters, which are characterized by their deep color and full-bodied flavor, can also be enjoyed at a lukewarm temperature. For example, Irish stouts have deep flavors like chocolate and coffee that are hidden if they are too cold, so warming them up a bit brings out their appeal. - Belgian Trappist Beer
Belgian Trappist beer and dark ale can also become too alcoholic and strong-tasting if they are served too cold. Drinking them at a slightly warmer temperature allows you to fully enjoy the beer's rich aroma and spicy flavor, resulting in a well-balanced taste.
Author: MyakoMy own first experience of drinking lukewarm ale was in the British pub shown above.
I was a little surprised at first, but as time went on, I was able to fully appreciate the deep flavor and was very satisfied!
Is there a culture of chilling glasses like in Japan?
So, in Europe"The Culture of Chilling Glasses"Is there such a thing?
Author: MyakoIn fact, I live in Europe and have never seen beer served in a chilled glass.
In Japanese izakayas and beer halls, it is common for glasses to be chilled before serving beer, but this is not commonly seen in Europe.
In particular, in the UK and Belgium, people are particular about their beer glasses, so they tend to keep them cold rather than chilled.The shape and material of the glassRather than using chilled glasses, the emphasis is on using glasses that will bring out the aroma of the beer, and chilling the glasses does not seem to be very common.
What is hot beer?
Finally, we will talk about "hot beer," which is a slightly unique way of drinking beer. Many people may be surprised to hear the term "hot beer," but in some European countries, there is a culture of enjoying hot beer in 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 of drinking beer, especially in Germany and Austria, to warm the body on cold winter nights.
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 warm drink.
summary
The idea that beer is lukewarm in Europe is actually a misconception. European beer is generally served cold, but it is sometimes drunk a little warmer because the flavor is lost if it is too cold. Ales, stouts, and Belgian Trappist beers in particular can be enjoyed with their rich flavor at a slightly lukewarm temperature.
In addition, there is not much of a 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 beer 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 each region.
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