There’s nothing like drinking a cold beer. There’s also nothing like drinking hot beer. It’s just generally not recommended. A beer cooler can ensure that a draft emerges at the best temperature for serving and drinking.

Many standard drafts enjoyed by Americans, such as lagers and light beers, need the most chilling. Malt liquor beverages also fall into this category. Keep lagers between 35 and 40 degrees for best results.

Light-bodied lagers and pilsners are best when they are between 40 and 45 degrees. Bump the temperature up 5 degrees for the best tasting American pale ales and porters.

Sour and strong ales go down the best when served between 50 and 55 degrees. Stronger beers, such as old ales and imperial stouts need to sit in the beer cooler for the least amount of time for serving temperatures between 55 and 60 degrees.

When deciding how long to refrigerate a beer, pay attention to the strength of the beverage. Stronger beers need less chilling, and milder drafts need more refrigeration. In other words, the higher the alcohol content of the ale or pilsner, the less time it needs to chill. People tend to sip beverages with higher alcohol content more slowly, paying attention to the aromas and flavors. Brews with lower alcohol content are designed for their refreshment factor, created to go down more quickly to satisfy thirst.

Set your beer cooler’s temperature accurately for the best tasting results.

Thanks to Epic Beer for the photo.