cold beer

[old-wos-is-name]

Hi All,
just went into the local pub/restaurant 2 for £10 type places, and the only beer they had was tetleys bitter, and that was put through the cooler ( they had lager,but I'm talking bitter). this is the second pub I've been too in the last couple of weeks that only has freezing cold beer. Isn't bitter and real ale supposed to be served at just below room temperature?

[sunny-dave]

Yes - cellar temperature should be about 12C -14C and the beer will warm up just slightly as it's pulled - ideal serving temp about 15C

Just off to carry out quality control check at my local :=)

[stokemaveric]

i couldnt drink a cold bitter....

[Nibble]

Unfortunately, this is now becoming the norm in the pub/resturant type places, i.e no idea about real ale/bitter & how to keep it. All the staff tend to be younger, and may ot drink real ale/bitter. Shame! But more for us in the real pubs :-)))

[joggerjayne]

Don't really know.

I'm going out now ... but I don't think I'll be having any beer.

Take care out there tonight, guys. Last but one Friday before Christmas.

Try not to get arrested.

Don't get TOO trolleyed ... (although the bar is set quite high tonight, LOL)

And be back here in one piece tomorrow.

But, most of all ... HAVE FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNN !!!!!!!

=0D

=0D

=0D

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

[Zhukov]

It would"nt matter a bit,what temperature your Tetleys was served at!

You were drinking a keg beer,in other words,not much more than coloured,carbonated water.

But do not be dismayed!A previous poster mentioned that a lot of Pubs tend to employ young staff.I dont know,may be to attract a younger crowd,who will probably drink Lager,which to a manager,who will be on a wage,is far easier to "keep".Lager is also keg,under pressure,and carbonated on serving,which gives the product longer life.

But,as I said,do not despair.There is presently a resurgence in brewing Real Ale in the U.K.It is said to be one of the main growth areas in the Pub trade.Many Micro-breweries are popping up all over the place.The Pubs that buy in from these Micro-breweries tend to have knowledgable staff,and skilled Cellarmen.When you next venture out for a pint and something to eat,try a bit of Googling for Pubs with Real Ale in your area(preferably with a range of local Micro Ale),you may be pleasantly surprised!Cheers!

[rowanwitch]

look out for the Cask Marque signs usually by the entrance..... BTW loads of great pubs selling proper beer in birmingham lots of local breweries too.... Redman is a happy bunny

[boxtops]

There are loads in Kent where we are - CAMRA pubs, and microbreweries. Some pubs may only stock one real ale per week, but at least they do it - and we have some great Beer Festivals!

[redman41]

Cask Ales should be served at Cellar Temperature of between 12-14 C, so look out for the Cask Marque sign when you look for a good Pub.
Keg Bitters like Tetley are served at around 8C, so if you want a good Pint go for the Cask Ales and you wont be disappointed.
I prefer the stronger Ales of around 4.5-5.00%, although there are some really good headbangers around which are much stronger of course.
Rowan and myself love the 'Real' Ales ! :-)

[joggerjayne]

I might have to try this stuff.

And then walk around for the rest of the day sloshing like a hot water bottle.

[redman41]

LOL JJ !
Happy Xmas and Happy sloshing, and all the best for 2012 !

[Zhukov]

Perhaps jj is too posh to sup a Pint.

I seek out a Bitter ale,usually.But many Micro-breweries have created all kinds of weird and wonderful beers,to suit all palates,tastes and to compliment different cuisines.Brewdog,is one example of a brewery,keen to experiment.

[sunny-dave]

Delighted to find that my local had got the excellent Wychwood Hobgoblin as a guest beer last night - went down a treat with my pie&chips.

All we need now is some Rosey Nosey for Christmas :+))

[sandyRoe]

I used to like a pint, or more, of Guinness. What do the beer connoisseurs think of it?

[oldsilvertongue]

What's a good bitter to drink in a can, I bought one once and it honestly tasted like warm vinegar, is there a nice tasting brand you can recommend?

[sunny-dave]

A reliable fallback if their is no 'Cask Ale' available - but there does seem to be a nasty tendency to serve it at sub-arctic temperature ...

[boxtops]

Definately, luv your taste in ale dave. Could be reading my thoughts!

[Zhukov]

There are many "Bottle - conditioned" ales to enjoy at home.
http://www.livingbeer.com/beers-az.aspx

[Zhukov]

Bottle-conditioned means it is a living beer,real ale,which continues to ferment