LagerLight Lager

Dortmunder Export

Balance is the hallmark of this style. It has the malt profile of a Helles, the hop character of a Pils, and is slightly stronger than both. Hard, minerally water can often be tasted. Brewed to a slightly higher starting gravity than other light lagers, providing a firm malty body and underlying maltiness to complement the sulfate-accentuated hop bitterness. The term "Export" is a beer strength category under German beer tax law, and is not strictly synonymous with the "Dortmunder" style. Beer from other cities or regions can be brewed to Export strength, and labeled as such.

Alcohol
4.8 - 6% ABV
3.8 - 4.7% ABW
IBU
23 - 30
International Bitterness Units
Color
4 - 6 SRM
8 - 12 EBC
Gravity
OG: 1.048 - 1.056
FG: 1.01 - 1.015

Appearance & Mouthfeel

Color
Light gold to deep gold, clear with a persistent white head.
Clarity
Light gold to deep gold, clear with a persistent white head.
Body
Medium body, medium carbonation.

Aroma & Flavor

Malt
Low to medium noble (German or Czech) hop aroma. Moderate malt aroma; can be grainy to somewhat sweet. May have an initial sulfury aroma (from water and/or yeast) and a low background note of DMS (from pils malt). No diacetyl. Neither malt nor hops dominate, but both are in good balance with a touch of sweetness, providing a smooth yet crisply refreshing beer. Balance continues through the finish and the hop bitterness lingers in aftertaste (although some examples may finish slightly sweet). Clean, no fruity esters, no diacetyl. Some mineral character might be noted from the water.

Technical Specs (Plato)

Original Gravity11.9 - 13.8 °P
Final Gravity2.6 - 3.8 °P