Beer lovers have long known that a cold beer tastes better. But now, thanks to a new scientific study, scientists have finally proved this popular truth. The publication in the scientific journal Matter found out why beer tastes better ice cold.
The study, conducted by scientists in China, is related to the molecular specifics of alcohol and its behavior at different temperatures. The work sheds light on why many people prefer their beer at the perfect temperature.
The researchers found that the temperature of beer and other drinks containing alcohol significantly affects how they taste. Beer served cold not only cools and refreshes your cake but causes a change in the way the taste is felt.
As Dr. Christoph Rademacher, a chemical physicist at Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie in Germany, notes:
“The colder the beer, the more carbon dioxide is dissolved in it, which gives the beer a more bubbly, crisp taste.”
First of all, it is precisely thanks to such increased fizz that the effect of a fizzy refreshment occurs, which makes cold beer more pleasant for drinking.
Also, due to lowering the temperature, alcohol molecules begin to settle closer to each other, which forms a different perception of flavors. That is why beer that is served cold is perceived as smoother and more pleasant.
Many may wonder why such a phenomenon occurs not only with beer. In addition to beer, the researchers note that warm drinks, like whisky, are much more alcoholic tasting as they have cooled down. This effect is also explained by the fact that when the temperature of the molecules falls, they begin to interact with different substances differently.
Still, the comprehension of the scientific process does not prevent some beer lovers from drinking their favorite varieties at a different temperature. This is especially true about drinking those varieties with a complex combination of flavors, for which a temperature of 8-10 degrees is more favorable.
But now, when you grab a cold beer on a hot day, you will know not only that it is delicious but also the scientific reason behind it. As one such article puts it, “It is an indisputable fact that there’s nothing better than a cold beer on a hot day. Now it can be backed up with science.”
So, whether you are drinking a pint at your favorite bar or cracking a cold one when at home, remember that scientists have proven what all lovers of this drink always knew – sometimes, colder is better.
Also, on top of what the article states, it’s proven that smells and flavours are diminished in colder temperatures as the molecules aren’t moving as fast so one reason why beer could taste better when cool could simply be because it tastes less.
Makes me wonder if beer actually tastes good at all if it needs to be cooled down to be enjoyed.
Jody Parker I remember a while back my neighbor brought 2 bottles of beer over to my house, but they were warm, and he seriously told me “oh, I didn’t know you liked your beer cold.” Who wouldn’t want it cold? lol.
Real men drink Ales – lagers are for those that can’t stand the taste of real beer – so they drink cold lagers – that can’t be tasted.