Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold

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

I had read the ratings on this beer and thought I’d give it a try. Kind of disappointing; nothing special. Seems a little too carbonated for some reason and the taste seems to miss something. Don’t get me wrong...it’s not a bad beer, but it seems like even though the hops are good, it lacks anything else of substance. Some time ago I made a homebrew that was very similar to this...I haven’t made it since.

pours orange with a hint of amber. A small white head settles into a thin film. Though the odor is relatively tame, you can detect a hint of hops. The flavor is very smooth, but subtly complex, ending with a hop aftertaste. As soon as the beer hits your lips you don’t taste it, but the taste gradually builds. An interesting, slight bitterness makes this beer surprisingly unique. I really like this beer.

Courtesy of Degarth through Crizay. Thanks gents. 12oz bottle. Light golden orange body with a smallish soapy looking white head, nice retention and decent lacing. Aromas of cereal grains, malts, grass and pine. Flavor doesn’t wow me at first, but it grows on you. Sweet grains, orange peels, lemon and earthy notes. Medium bodied, slightly astringent. Oily palate. Finish is piney hops, medium length. I don’t love it but it’s oddly engaging and very drinkable.

My first crack at this style. Crystal clear, medium golden body with high carbonation. Large, rocky off-white head. The head eventually settles to what looks like a patchy cream floater, leaving behind patchy ribbons of intricate lace. The aroma shows surprisingly strong floral hops, accompanied by pollen, honey, and slightly vinous white fruit. The flavor is mildly floral and hoppy, with a toasty, biscuit background, a drop of honey and a dash of cream. Smooth, medium body. Slightly astringent, peppered honey finish. Interesting brew. Very good for a lager.

bottle. aroma of grains and light malt. malt and moderate bitter flavor. more body than i expected, but it remains crisp, refreshing. clean finish. my palate is not refined enough to rate lagers with any efficiency, but this one has a good amount of substance.

really fine beer. from a 12oz. bottle. pourd golden with a small white head. nicely balanced and highly drinkable. good stuff.

Not sure what it was about drinking beer tonight, but it seems that the beers I’ve had so far I wanted to get them by the cases! This was no different. A really easy to drink beer that just gets better and better with each sip. Subtle hops and bright sweet malts crack the aroma and flavor profiles very nicely. Incredibly smooth, crisp with an easy clean finish that leaves a slight bit of residual sweetness hanging around, which I found pleasing. If this was available in California, I know I would have a few cases stocked year round. Great beer.

6 bottles from my bro who visited my other bro in Cleveland. Pours golden - almost copper with an average head. Hoppy aroma, very nice and the taste matches in hoppyness. Quite delicious. Thanks to my bro for the 6-pack.