Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold

Brewed by Great Lakes Brewing Company
Style: Dortmunder/Helles
Cleveland, Ohio USA

I’ve held off a long time from rating this beer, simply because I wanted to try it on tap (I think a beer like this isn’t the same in the bottle) - so I got it on tap at the Winking Lizard in Cleveland (and again at the airport while waiting for my plane), and I’m really glad I did - this strikes a perfect match between assertive european hops and buttery, bready, almost nutty flavors - some mild spiciness and bright fruity character - very clean, but full enough to keep it from being thin - I would drink this all day long.

Bottle in my Grandmother’s favorite beer glass. A little on the cold sideNice golden honey color and nice head. Modest hop odor with a very nice balance of malt and hops. Modest buttery taste , spicies, with dry hops finish. Really nice balance.

Very drinkable lager. Give one of theese to your friends that love miller or one of thoose others. IT would be a nice introduction to craft brews.

Let’s get one thing straight, folks, I am a Dortmunder Export Snob. Its a bold statement, I know, but I just want everyone to know I won’t be pulling any punches on this review. Appearance: Pours a light copper body with a full, lathery white head. Smell: Bready pilsner malt aroma with a bit of orange zest and spicy, floral hop scents. Taste: Clean pils malt flavor with a light sweetness, a bit of breadiness, and a slight, subtle hint of juicy orange peel. Flowery, spiced hop flavors with a mild bitterness. Touch of yeast. Drying, crispy finish. Mouthfeel: Medium-thin body. Light, spritzy carbonation. Drinkability: A very nice, easy drinking Dortmunder. I’d say I would have it around regulary, but Great Lakes beers are regrettably unavailable in my state.

Bottle and Tap. Absolutely delightful lager (yes, I said ’delightful’). Rich and full of flavor; the beer pours out golden with an amber hugh. If you are ever presented with an opportunity to try this, take it; you will not be sorry.

Sampled at Food and Froth. Crisp, smooth, and almost perfectly balanced. Very sessionable.

Brought by a friend from Cleveland. One of the better lager style beers available. If it was available to me I might just make it my summer session beer of choice.

Bottle. Pours clear amber with a big fluffy white head. Sweet malty aroma with caramel, apricot and bread. Medium body, very smooth. Big malt flavor, notes of caramel and toast. Very well balanced and enjoyable.