Dortmunder — Germany’s Sensational Export

In the great lager brewing country of Germany, you would expect that they would have their own expressive, light-colored beers to rival the great Lagers from Pilsen (see Pilsner listing). Dortmunder, along with Helles (see the Helles listing as well), is one of those great German-style lagers. Dortmunder is fuller in body and often darker in color than Pilsner, while offering a subtler hop profile both in terms of aromatics and palate bitterness. As the name suggests, this style hails from the German city of Dortmund. The city has a long brewing history dating back to at least the thirteenth century, while the style of beer that we know today emerged in the latter half of the nineteenth century. The style is one of my favorites, and sometimes, my mood and cravings will accept nothing other than a Dortmunder. The style has translated well beyond Germany, with successful productions in the USA, Japan, and Scandinavia. Despite the global success of Dortmunder, it is still firmly associated with its native city and the breweries there that proudly carry the name. Classic examples of Dortmunder include Ayinger Jahrhundert Bier (Germany), Great Lakes Brewing Dortmunder Gold (USA), and Augustiner-Bräu Edelstoff (Germany).

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