Dortmunder

What is Dortmunder?

Dortmunder, or Dortmunder Export, is a pale lager originating in the city of Dortmund in Germany. It is a smooth-textured beer crafted in the style of a pilsner but slightly stronger and with a hint of maltiness. 

In Germany, Dortmunder Export is often used as a general term for German export beers.

Origin Story

The dortmunder style was developed in the latter half of the 19th century in Dortmund, Germany, primarily targeting the local working-class population.

The first breweries to produce it were Dortmunder Union Brauerei (DUB), Dortmunder Actien Brauerei (DAB), and Kronen Brewery.

The elevated sulfate levels in the local water contributed a delicate hint of sulfur to the beer, which was counterbalanced by the bitterness of hops. The beer quickly became popular among workers, leading to a flourishing local beer industry.

However, during World War II, much of Dortmund was destroyed, causing a temporary halt in beer production. The city and breweries were rebuilt, and dortmunder became Germany’s most popular beer style until the 1970s when it was surpassed by pilsner.

As the steel and coal industries in West Germany gradually began to decline, dortmunder production also decreased. However, this style hasn’t faded away; nowadays, breweries both within and outside Dortmund and Germany (for example, in the USA) brew their own versions of dortmunder.