Brewers around Dortmund, Germany, created this pale-colored lager to compete with popular Pilsner beers. Dortmund’s water is high in sulfates, which accentuate hop bitterness, and alkaline, inspiring local brewers to moderate the quantity of hops and use slightly darker malts with higher acidity to balance the alkaline and avoid an overly bitter beer. The resulting Dortmunder brew is light to deep gold in color and pours clear with a lasting white head. Malts and hops are well balanced, with hints of malt sweetness throughout this German lager style. Slightly stronger in alcohol than Pilsners and Munich Helles beers, Dortmunder Lager was classified by German beer tax laws as “Export” strength and is labeled as such.
Characteristics: Balanced, biscuity, earthy, smooth, medium-bodied
ABV range: 4.8-6% IBU: 23-30
Popular Dortmunder / Export Lager-style beers: Ayinger Jahrhundert Bier, DAB Original, Dominion Lager, Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold, Gordon Biersch Golden Export, “33” Export
Serving Temperature: Cool, 46-54°
Cheese Pairing Ideas: Soft, mild cheeses, including Chèvre, Mozzarella
Food Pairing Ideas: Salads, seafood, pork and spicy ethnic fare
