At what temperature should I serve this rare imperial stout?

Question

I know that imperial stouts are supposed to be served warmer than most other styles, but I have sitting in front of me a bottle of Dark lord imperial stout and I want opinions on what serving temerature you prefer

Answer 1

The first thing you want to consider before temperature is vessel. A common shaker (American straight pint) glass does NOTHING for fldevelopmentement. An English style pint with its slbulge bulg at the top will help to retain head and aroma...but still won't do a beer like Dark Lord justice. I suggest a snifter for maximum head and aroma retention along with flavor development.

OK, with that settled lets more onto temp. Contrary to popular belief Stout and Imperial Stouts should NOT be served at near temperatureature. Barleywines...yes. Stouts...no. A stout should be chilled, but not ice cold. Cold kills flavor. 45-50F is the optimal serving temp for a beer like this. After iniservingrvign you may wish to allow it to warm to experience different flavor releases, but initial sampling should be in the 45-50F range.

EDIT:

Beer Advocate supports my temperature, but suggests a pint glass first. I argue this point in that BA ALWAYS suggest a pint glass first.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/26/...

Answer 2

Cool but not cold. I would set in the fridge for 15 minutes or so then pour into a glass. If it's already in the fridge, then take it out for a few minutes to warm up. Ice cold does numb the taste buds to flavors.