Examples: Ayinger Jahrhunder, Gordon Biersch Golden Export,
Serving Temp: 35°- 40°
Glassware: Flute or Pilsner
Aroma: Low to medium noble hops with a pronounced malt sweetness. May have low DMS but no diacetyl.
Appearance: Light gold to deep gold and clear with persistent white head.
Flavor: Balanced between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. Some minerals and hop bitterness may be present in the finish but it should be clean tasting with no fruity esters or diacetyl.
Mouthfeel: Medium body and medium carbonation. Smooth.
Food Pairings: Cuisine: German or other hearty and/or spicy foods. Cheese: soft and mild (ex. Gouda, Havarti). Meat: Pork, Poultry, or Seafood.
HopHeadSaid: Dortmunder Exports are characterized by their balance. Everything from its color and aroma to its mouthfeel and flavor is in balance. This medium-bodied beer pours crystal clear, light to deep gold in color and produces a long lasting head. A sweet malty aroma is void of any fruity esters but a light noble hop –herbal or spicy - aroma balances it. The initial malt sweetness is balanced by a crisp medium carbonation and a light hop bitterness that lingers after each drink.
As a side note, export is a beer strength category. Historically “export” meant the beer had a higher alcohol content, which provides extra stability in shipping the beer long distances, but almost always an “export” beer it is charged a higher tax in its home country because of the elevated alcohol content.