Guinness Extra Stout: Warm or Cold?

[phred]

I prefer my ales cellar temperature, though I've been known to chuck bottles into the fridge or an ice chest for parties - much easier to let a bottle warm up to a preferred temp than chill it to a specific point... :D

 

[andrew]

They put serve chilled on the can/bottle so westerners will buy it, personally I find most ale loses all it's subtle flavour when it's cold. When served on tap the co2 puts it below room temp which is the ideal drinking temp for ale or stout. Most western folks simply aren't cultured enough for ale or pipes imo

 

[flakyjakey]

IMHO (from the east side of the pond) all dark beers should be drunk at cellar temp, not least because, like erichbaumer says, there is an analogy with red wine in that coldness hides their complex flavours.
I no longer drink Guinness in pubs unless I am visiting Ireland. Firstly because in the UK it is always served cold and even (can you believe?) EXTRA cold! Secondly I'm not sure that the stuff brewed on licence outside Ireland is the same as that in Dublin; it certainly doesn't taste the same to me.
Many moons ago I played rugby for "London Irish". They told me I must drink Guinness. I replied that I didn't like the bitter metallic aftertaste. They informed me that the club imported its Guinness directly from Dublin and made me drink it! It was just warmer than cellar temp - a beautiful mellow pint with no harsh aftertaste - After six pints I admitted I was wholly wrong, but only about their sourced Guinness.

 

[dread]

I concur with FJ: Cellar temp. But I won't turn it down cold, either!

 

[briarfriar]

Years ago, in my ignorance as a 19-year-old drinker, I challenged the potability of the pint served to me one February Sunday morning at the Red Lion on Bleecker Street in New York City. My skepticism, based on my Guinness experience being limited to four-packs of bottles (I wasn't old enough to drink legally, so had no draught experience) enraged the proprietor so much that he came to my table and delivered, in disgust and red-faced, a lecture that convinced me that Guinness is to be served at 55º F.
It was an embarrassing lesson, but one that served me well through life.
Jay

 

[badgercat]

Somewhere around 55-60 Degrees is great for me. Not exactly warm but nowhere near cold. I loose too much of the good flavor when the stout is too cold.

 

[boudreaux]

After six pints I admitted I was wholly wrong,...

After six pints of Guinness, I think I'd be ready to admit to anything... :P
My fave restaurant used to serve draught Guinness and I'd enjoy a pint or two, but mysteriously, they stopped serving it. Have to find out why.

 

[fishingandpipes]

I usually microwave mine for a few minutes to evaporate off some of the water

 

[krizzose]

I spent 6 weeks in Ireland and never once was served a room temperature Guinness.

 

[eazye77]

I like mine cold. I don't do any beer room temp.

 

[dafydd]

Room Temperature. The local brew pups always serve they're ales way too cold. I guess that's to suit the American way. My first round at the pub always consists of two pints. The first will be struggle through while the second comes to the proper temp. When I begin the second the next round is ordered. I'll follow this pattern to the end. Wherever that is.

 

[warren]

I prefer on the cool side, pub style. Only had Guinness at room temperature if I'm getting behind the group. That doesn't happen very often though.

 

[starcat]

Guniess is best about 55F

 

[stbruno70]

Bottled Guinness at room temp, whereas draught and from the can with the little depth charge inside should be slightly chilled. But not frigid.
I agree that Guinness from the keg tastes better in the Republic than Guinness in the UK.
Donkey's years ago at Holyhead I boarded the ferry to Dún Laoghaire, already well lubricated with Guinness from Anglesey. As the ferry lurched out of the harbour, the bar opened and I had a few pints of what the barman assured me was from St James's Gate. The difference was noticeable.

 

[maxx]

Guinness is my standard beer choice. I store it in the fridge but it tastes better after it has warmed a little. I only get the bottled version ("imported" from Canada now, but I remember when it wasn't). I tried the canned stuff and didn't like it. Stouts and Porters are my favorite beers, and I rarely buy any other type these days. I also like Paulaner Salvator Doppel Bock and Octoberfest.

 

[matches]

Where I live in Dunedin room temperature is usually pretty close to cellar temperature. And Definitely don't like porters or stouts chilled, cool but not cold.

 

[newbroom]

Room temp in Dunedin....Florida?...what's that? 72?
Cooler if it's accompanied by a shot of Jameison's.

 

[pruss]

4 degrees Celsius.
That is all.
-- Pat

 

[bigjoe]

I keep mine on the counter.

 

[zekest]

Cold, I'm American.
Beer goes in the fridge.