Just how warm is your winter warmer?

l A Cask Marque probe checks the serving temperature of a pub pint

December 17, 2005: Research by beer quality assessor Cask Marque has revealed that more than half the pints in British pubs are being served at the wrong temperature.

Cask Marque director Paul Nunny said: "Our research shows 51 per cent of publicans are serving cask-conditioned, hand-pulled beer at anything up to twice the brewers' recommended temperature of 11-13 degrees centigrade.

"We have even recorded beer temperatures in the glass as high as 28C, which is the equivalent of water in a heated swimming pool and completely undrinkable."

He believes the problem is being compounded because of consumer misconceptions over how beer should be served and seasonal references to so-called winter warmers, which are, typically, stronger, darker ales.

"Many pubgoers still think cask beer is best served at room temperature, whereas in reality it shouldn't even be tepid, yet alone warm," he said.

"The term winter warmer doesn't help. These beers tend to be darker and slightly higher in alcohol content than regular ales, giving a warming sensation when supped and making them ideal for enjoying in the cold.

"But they still need to be served at the correct temperature. The warmth comes from the alcohol, not the temperature of the liquid in the glass."

Cask Marque carried out unannounced inspections at hundreds of cask ale pubs throughout the country. Temperatures ranging from 25.9 to 28.1C were recorded in pubs in London, Essex, Middlesex, Kent, Cambridgeshire and the West Midlands.

Paul added: "Getting your beer temperature right is critical, whatever the time of year. Weather forecasters may be predicting a particularly cold winter but drinkers should still give a warm pint the frosty reception it deserves."