What temperature to serve IPA?

[nreed]

I noticed when drinking my latest brew (Maris Otter & Mosiac Pale) that it got nicer as it got warmer. Like noticeably better in flavour, aroma, mouthfeel and it got me wondering am I serving it too cold? What temperature does everyone go for? I think my fridge it at 4°C.

 

[day_trippr]

Yes, you are right - and that applies to pretty much any well-hopped pales through neipas.
Imo, no colder than 40-45°F (so, 4.5-7°C) in the glass.

The very first IPA I brewed with the new "Citra" hop when it first came out many years ago (I was still bottling) was so amazing to me I took a few bottles over to my lhbs. But I stuck them in a tiny cooler packed with ice cubes, and when I arrived they were so friggin' cold they were closed up tighter than...well, pick your favorite metaphor

We let the glasses sit for awhile and as the beer warmed it opened up into a Citra bomb that slayed everyone in the store
So, yeah, some beers (maybe even most) need to be served at a temperature that doesn't keep them closed up...

Cheers!

 

[Jag75]

My kegerator is set to 38f. I like my beer cold . I dont mind a stout a little warmer though. I dont slam the beer so I'm sure the temp drops a bit. Now I'm curious so i guess ill pour a pint and check the temp when its about 75% gone.....

 

[rburrelli]

I fridge in the mid 40s but I think the low 50s are the drinking sweet spot IMHO. (For most styles)

 

[Jag75]

I think cask ales are served in the mid 50's too.

 

[Dinadan]

I do not make IPA (or often drink it, either), but I have noticed that my home brew is really good when it is a few degrees warmer than I like store bought beer. Basically, when I open a Busch Light (my go to BMC), I like a scum of ice to form on the top when I pour. When I open a home brew, I can really appreciate the flavors when it is warmed up a bit.

 

[Vale71]

I never serve ales colder than 10°C, except maybe Weissbier in the summer where I will go as low as 9°C.

 

[Misplaced_Canuck]

I love my hoppy beers at 50-55F. So much more flavor and aroma!

MC

 

[nreed]

This settles it, I’ll set to 10°C and try it out.

 

[Misplaced_Canuck]

This settles it, I’ll set to 10°C and try it out.

Start with 2C, and stick an electronic thermometer in it, and try every +2C. I've done this before, and my palate is precise enough that I can guess within 1-2C the temp of the beer I'm drinking. It's fun, too!

MC