In my own experience, I have found that Icy cold beers, while incredibly refreshing, and easy to knock back, lack the flavor complexity of the same beer served at a warmer temperature.
This is why the most prominant beer styles served chilled are larers such as pilsners and american pilsners. These already start with a reduced, or "clean" flavor profile and low amounts of hops, hence icing them doesn't diminish the flavor considerably.
I was able to see this effect in a side by side tasting a couple of itmes so far in my tasting experience.
While in Victoria BC, (on my honeymoon, can you believe she let me go to a brewpub??) I went to Spinnakers, a true British style pub where they brew both ales and lagers. (Look for an upcoming discussion on the difference in case you don't know.) Their Lagers are served fairly cold, and make a refreshing repast. I had one but now I can't remember which kind. Their ales on the other hand a re served just below room temperature. I hada scotch ale that at first seemed odd because of the high temperature, but soon became a blisfull experience as I was treated to a wonderful boquet of flavors akin to the complexity of fine wines. Caramels and toffee notes were followed by a high malt profile and a smooth sweet finish.
Try this at home or at a pub that serves beer really cold. Order a beer with moderate complexity (witness our Fat Tire Amber Ale experiment above) and drink some cold, and then let it warm. I know it sounds sacriligeous to some of you to let beer warm, but come on, try it. Then attempt to discern the difference in taste as it warms.
I also tried some really really good warm beers this saturday at the Washington Brewers Guild Cask Beer festival. These were the best several breweries had to offer. Cask conditioned (meaning all carbonation is natural, and the beer is aged in the cask for varying times) ales are mellow and more complex in flavors. I attended with John and Reed, and our favorites were the Anacortes Brewing Company's Trippel Fermented Belgian, and Hair of the Dog Brewing Company's Fred. More on that later.
For now I guess the cold vs. warm debate hinges on whether you are looking for a crisp thirst quencher, or a great tasting accompaniment to food, or a stand alone flavor experience. For the most part, I've got to say I prefer the slightly warmer tasty beer although the crisp cold lager has it's place in my heart.
Weigh in below in the comments on your temperature proclivity.
For now I guess the cold vs. warm debate hinges on whether you are looking for a crisp thirst quencher, or a great tasting accompaniment to food, or a stand alone flavor experience. For the most part, I've got to say I prefer the slightly warmer tasty beer although the crisp cold lager has it's place in my heart.
Weigh in below in the comments on your temperature proclivity.
