When Pilseners began to dominate the beer market in the 1840s, German brewers created their own takes on the Bohemian original. In Dortmound, in western Germany, that Pilsner riff became known as an Export, a tax category based on its starting gravity. Compared to other German golden lagers it has slightly more alcohol, a slight mineral aftertaste and strikes an even balance between the malt and hop flavors, instead of being clearly bitter (German Pils) or clearly malty (Munich Helles).
One of the few German examples readily available in the states is DAB Dortmunder Export. I always choose the cans over the bottles; cans protect the beer from skunking UV light, green glass does not. It is a lightly bitter dry beer that works great with lower impact foods, and the price cannot be beat.
Aroma: low grainy honey-like malt, very low herbal (sage/parsley/tarragon) hops with a hint of spicy cardamom, no esters |
Appearance: medium yellow, brilliant clarity, foamy white head with good retention leaves lace |
Flavor: low grainy honey-like malt just dominates, low herbal (sage/tarragon) hop flavor with a hint of white pepper, very low bitterness; dry finish, low bitterness lingers and is accentuated by low minerals that are just noticeable, aftertaste rounded out by slight tarragon and honey notes; eventually a low sulfur aftertaste blends with herbalness and bitterness to give a very low pungent dank impression |
Mouthfeel: light body, medium-high carbonation, low astringency, very low warmth, silky texture flirts with watery |
Overall: A pleasantly crisp and refreshing beer that holds all things in balance; plenty of interest though far from challenging. |
Impact: very low |
Pairs with:
Leave a Reply