Dortmunder/Export Lager
Regional brewers of Dortmund, Germany, created this pale-colored lager to compete with the Pilsners. With water high in sulfates—which accentuate hop bitterness—and alkaline, Dortmund’s natural water supply forced brewers to use slightly darker malts with higher acidity to balance the alkaline and moderate the quantity of hops to avoid an overly bitter beer. The result is a brew that’s 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. Slightly stronger in alcohol than Pilsners and its Munich Helles siblings, the beer was classified by German beer tax laws as “Export” strength and is labeled as such.| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Taste/Smell | Balanced, Biscuity, Earthy, Smooth, Medium-bodied |
| Alcohol-by-Volume (ABV) Range | 4.8 – 6% |
| Bitterness (IBU) | 23-30 |
| Popular Examples | Ayinger Jahrhundert Bier, DAB Original, Dominion Lager, Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold, “33” Export |
| Serving Temperature | Cool, 46-54° |
| Glassware | Pilsner Glass, Stange |
| Cheese Pairing Ideas | Soft mild cheeses, including Goat Cheese (Chèvre) and Mozzarella |
| Food Pairing Ideas | Salads, seafood, pork, as well as spicy Asian, Cajun and Latin foods |
