Dortmunder Export Recipe

You’ll love this Dortmunder Export recipe if you enjoy golden, slightly malty beers with a spicy hop aroma. This classic German lager is easy to drink and perfect for any occasion. With a subtle sweetness and roundness in the mouth, it’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning beer drinkers.

Dortmunder Export

This is a golden, slightly malty flavoured beer with a mild, spicy hop aroma. It finishes with a subtle sweetness and roundness in the mouth.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
TO FERMENT32 days
Course: Beer
Cuisine: Larger
Keyword: Dortmunder Export
Servings: 40 pints
Calories: 200kcal
Author: Dan Smullen

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot (at least 8 gallons)
  • 1 Mash tun or grain bag
  • 1 Wort chiller
  • 1 Fermenter (6.5 gallons or larger)
  • 1 Airlock and stopper
  • 1 Hydrometer
  • 1 Thermometer
  • 1 Auto-siphon and tubing
  • 1 Bottles or keg and CO2 tank
  • 1 Bottle or keg filler
  • 1 Sanitizer
  • 1 Bottle capper (if bottling)
  • 1 Bottle caps (if bottling)

Ingredients

For the Mash – Liquor 13.1 Litres (23Pints) – Mash Time 1 hr – Temperature 65°C (149°F)

  • 11 lb Pilsner malt Quantity 5kg
  • 9 oz Munich malt Quantity 250g

For the Boil – 27Litres (47 1/2 Pints) – Boil Time 1 hr – 15 mins

  • 1 1/3 oz Tettnang 4.5% When to add -At start of boil (IBU 19.2)
  • 1 oz Hallertauer Hersbrucker 3.5% When to add -For last 10 mins of boil (IBU 3.5)
  • 1 oz Tettnang 4.5% When to add -For last 10 mins of boil (IBU 4.5)
  • 1/2 oz Hallertauer Hersbrucker 3.5% When to add -At turn off (IBU 00)
  • 1 tsp Protofloc Other – When to add-For last 15 mins of boil

To Ferment -12°C (54°F)- Conditioning 4weeks at 3°C (37°F)

  • 1 Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager yeast

Instructions

Mash:

  • Heat 13.1 liters (23 pints) of water in a large pot to 65°C (149°F).
  • Crush the Pilsner malt and Munich malt and add them to the pot.
  • Stir well and maintain the temperature at 65°C (149°F) for 1 hour.
  • After 1 hour, strain the mash through a mesh bag or strainer into a separate pot or fermenter, collecting the liquid (wort). Rinse the grains with hot water to extract as much sugar as possible.

Boil:

  • Bring the wort to a boil in a large pot.
  • Add 1 1/3 oz (38g) of Tettnang hops and boil for 60 minutes.
  • Add 1 oz (28g) of Hallertauer Hersbrucker hops and 1 oz (28g) of Tettnang hops at the 50-minute mark.
  • Add 1/2 oz (14g) of Hallertauer Hersbrucker hops and 1 tsp of Protofloc at the 60-minute mark.
  • After boiling for a total of 60 minutes, turn off the heat.

Fermentation:

  • Cool the wort to 12°C (54°F) and transfer it to a fermenter.
  • Add the package of Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager yeast and stir well.
  • Ferment at 12°C (54°F) for 3-4 weeks or until the specific gravity is stable.
  • After fermentation, transfer the beer to a secondary fermenter and condition at 3°C (37°F) for 4 weeks.
  • Bottle or keg the beer and carbonate to your desired level.

Notes

Tip 1: Gather your ingredients and equipment

To make Dortmunder Export, you will need a variety of ingredients and equipment, including malt, hops, yeast, a large pot, and a fermenter. Make sure you have everything you need before you start brewing.

Tip 2: Follow the recipe carefully

The recipe you provided includes detailed instructions on how to make Dortmunder Export. Follow the recipe carefully, paying close attention to the temperature and timing of each step.

Tip 3: Use good sanitation practices

Sanitation is crucial when brewing beer. Make sure all of your equipment is clean and sanitized before you start brewing to prevent contamination and spoilage.

Tip 4: Control your fermentation temperature

The temperature at which you ferment your beer can have a significant impact on its flavor and aroma. For Dortmunder Export, aim to ferment at a temperature of around 12°C (54°F) to ensure that the yeast produces the desired flavors and aromas.

Tip 5: Give your beer time to condition

After fermentation, your beer will need to condition for several weeks at a lower temperature. This will allow the flavors and aromas to develop and mellow, resulting in a smoother and more balanced beer.
By following these tips and carefully following the recipe, you should be able to make a delicious batch of Dortmunder Export that you can enjoy with friends and family.
 
 
 
Makes 🍻Ready to Drink 🍺Estimated ABVBitterness RatingColor Rating
23 Litres (40 Pints)5 Weeks5.1%27.2 IBU6 EBC

Delicious Flavor Profile

This Dortmunder Export recipe produces a beer with a golden color, a slightly malty flavor, and a spicy hop aroma. It finishes with a subtle sweetness and roundness in the mouth, making it a refreshing and easy-to-drink beer.

Simple Ingredients

To make this recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients, including Pilsner and Munich malt, Tettnang, Hallertauer Hersbrucker hop, and Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager yeast. These ingredients are easy to find and combine to create a delicious beer you can enjoy at home.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a night with friends, Dortmunder Export is the perfect beer for any occasion. With its smooth and refreshing flavor, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Follow the Instructions Carefully

To ensure the best results, follow this recipe’s instructions carefully. Every step, from mashing the malt to fermenting and conditioning the beer, is essential to create a delicious and high-quality Dortmunder Export.

Enjoy Your Homemade Beer

Making your beer is a fun and rewarding experience, and with this Dortmunder Export recipe, you can create a delicious beer that you’ll be proud to share with friends and family. So grab your ingredients and equipment, follow the instructions carefully, and enjoy your homemade beer!

What is the recommended carbonation level for this beer?

The recommended carbonation level for Dortmunder Export beer is between 2.4 and 2.7 volumes of CO2, and this will give the beer a refreshing level of carbonation without being too fizzy or flat.

To achieve this level of carbonation, you can use a carbonation calculator or adjust the pressure and temperature on your kegging system. If you are bottling your beer, you can use priming sugar to carbonate the beer naturally.

What is the recommended water profile for making this beer?

The recommended water profile for making Dortmunder Export beer should be soft and low in mineral content. You can achieve this by using distilled or reverse osmosis water and adding brewing salts to adjust the pH and mineral content to the desired level.

The ideal pH range for brewing this beer style is between 5.2 and 5.4. You can also consult a water report for your local water supply to see if it is suitable for brewing and adjust as necessary.

How long can this beer be aged before losing its flavor?

Dortmunder Export beer can be aged for several months before it begins to lose its flavor. However, the ideal window for enjoying this beer is 4 to 8 weeks after conditioning.

After this period, the beer may lose some of its subtle flavors and aromas and become stale or oxidized. To ensure your beer tastes its best, store it in a cool, dark place and consume it within a reasonable timeframe.

Can this recipe be adapted for a different type of lager?

Yes, this recipe can be adapted for a different type of lager by adjusting the types and amounts of malt and hops used and the yeast strain and fermentation temperature.

For example, you could use Vienna or Munich malt instead of Pilsner malt to create a different flavor profile or another type of hop to adjust the bitterness or aroma. However, remember that these changes may result in a beer different from the original Dortmunder Export recipe.

What is the recommended serving temperature for this beer?

The recommended serving temperature for Dortmunder Export beer is between 45 and 50°F (7-10°C). This will allow the subtle flavors and aromas to shine through without being muted by overly cold temperatures. The flavors may become too intense and overpowering if the beer is too warm.

You can adjust the serving temperature by storing the beer in a cool place or briefly placing it in a refrigerator before serving.

How can I adjust the recipe to make a lighter or darker version of this beer?

To make a lighter version of this beer, you could use a higher percentage of Pilsner malt and a lower rate of Munich malt.

This will result in a beer with a lighter color and a milder flavor. You could also use a lighter-colored hop variety to reduce the color and bitterness of the beer.

To make a darker version of this beer, you could use a higher percentage of Munich malt and a lower rate of Pilsner malt. You could also use a darker hop variety or add specialty malts such as Vienna or CaraMunich to achieve a darker color and a richer flavor.

How does the flavor of this beer compare to other German lagers?

Dortmunder Export is a classic German lager with a slightly sweet and malty flavor, a spicy hop aroma, and a clean finish. It is similar in style to other German lagers such as Munich Helles and German Pilsner but with a slightly different balance of malt and hops.

Munich Helles tends to be slightly sweeter and maltier, while German Pilsner tends to be more bitter and hoppy. Dortmunder Export falls somewhere in between, with a well-balanced flavor that is easy to drink and perfect for any occasion.

What is the expected yield in terms of the final volume of beer?

This Dortmunder Export recipe yields approximately 23 liters or 40 pints of beer. However, this may vary slightly depending on factors such as boil-off rate, fermentation efficiency, and losses during bottling or kegging.

It’s always a good idea to measure your final volume of beer and adjust your recipe and equipment accordingly for future batches.

Can this recipe be adjusted for a smaller or larger batch size?

This recipe can be adjusted for a smaller or larger batch size by scaling the ingredients accordingly. Remember that the brewing process and timings may need to be adjusted slightly depending on your batch size and equipment.

It’s always a good idea to double-check your calculations and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your beer turns out as expected.

Is there a recommended food pairing for this beer?

Dortmunder Export is a versatile beer that pairs well with various foods. Its light, refreshing flavor and crisp finish make it an excellent match for grilled meats, seafood, and spicy foods.

It also pairs well with traditional German dishes such as sausages and sauerkraut and lighter fare such as salads and sandwiches. Ultimately, the best food pairing for this beer depends on your taste preferences and the occasion.

What is the expected final gravity of the beer?

The expected final gravity of Dortmunder Export beer is typically between 1.010 and 1.014. This range may vary slightly depending on factors such as the types of malt and hops used, the yeast strain, and the fermentation temperature.

To ensure that your beer has reached its final gravity, you can use a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of the beer before and after fermentation.

Can this recipe be adjusted to include additional ingredients such as fruit or spices?

Yes, this recipe can be adjusted to include additional ingredients such as fruit or spices, although it may alter the beer’s flavor profile.

If you decide to add fruit, it’s best to use fresh or frozen fruit that has been pureed or chopped and added to the fermenter during primary fermentation.

For spices, it’s best to use whole or crushed spices that have been added to the boil or the fermenter, depending on the desired effect. Additional ingredients should be sanitary and adequately prepared to avoid contamination or off-flavors.

How long does it take to make this beer from start to finish?

This Dortmunder Export recipe typically takes approximately six weeks from start to finish. The mash and boil process takes about 2 hours, followed by four weeks of fermentation and conditioning.

However, remember that the exact timing may vary depending on factors such as the temperature and efficiency of your equipment and the yeast strain and fermentation conditions. It’s always a good idea to check the gravity and flavor of your beer throughout the process to ensure that it is progressing as expected.

How should I store the beer after it is bottled or kegged?

After bottling or kegging your Dortmunder Export beer, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its flavor and carbonation.

For bottled beer, store it in a cool, dark place at a temperature of 50-60°F (10-15°C) for best results. Keep kegged beer at a temperature of 35-40°F (2-4°C) under pressure to maintain the carbonation level. It’s also a good idea to avoid exposing the beer to light or heat, as this can cause it to spoil or become stale.

Can I use dry yeast instead of liquid yeast in this recipe?

Yes, you can use dry yeast instead of liquid yeast in this recipe. However, yeast strains may have other characteristics and produce a slightly different flavor profile.

If you use dry yeast, rehydrate it properly before pitching it into the wort. Follow the instructions on the package carefully, and sanitize all equipment and surfaces to avoid contamination.

What is the recommended OG (original gravity) for this beer?

The recommended OG for Dortmunder Export beer is typically between 1.048 and 1.054. This will give the beer an ABV (alcohol by volume) of around 5.1%, which is within the range of the style.

To achieve this OG, you can adjust the amount of malt used or the efficiency of your equipment. Be sure to measure the OG of the wort before pitching the yeast to ensure that it falls within the desired range.

Can I age this beer for a more extended period to improve its flavor?

Dortmunder Export beer is best consumed within a few months of bottling or kegging, as it may begin to lose its flavor and freshness over time.

While aging the beer for a more extended period may mellow out some of the harsh flavors and aromas, it may also cause the beer to become oxidized or stale. Consuming this beer within 4 to 8 weeks after conditioning is generally recommended for best results.

Can I make this beer using a different brewing method, such as all-grain or extract?

This recipe can be adapted for different brewing methods, such as all-grain or all-grain. Make this beer using all-grain brewing, a re-malt section with an equivalent amount of crushed malted barley and adjust the mash and sparge volumes accordingly.

To make this beer using extract brewing, you must have the base than an equivalent amount of liquid or dry malt extract and adjust the hop additions accordingly.

Remember that different brewing methods may produce slightly different flavors and characteristics.

What is the shelf life of this beer?

Dortmunder Export beer has a shelf life of approximately six months to a year, although this may vary depending on storage conditions and the specific recipe used.

To ensure your beer remains fresh and flavorful, store it in a cool, dark place and avoid exposing it to light or heat. Be sure to check the flavor and aroma of the beer regularly to ensure that it has not become stale or spoiled.

Can I adjust the hop additions to create a more or less bitter beer?

Yes, you can adjust the hop additions to create a more or less bitter beer. To make the beer more painful, you can increase the hops added during the boil or use balls with a higher alpha acid content.

You can decrease the hops added or use balls with a lower alpha acid content to make the beer less bitter. Remember that changing the hop additions may also affect the aroma and flavor of the beer, so it’s essential to experiment and find the best balance for best you.

Can I make this beer using different types of hops?

You can use different hops to create a unique flavor and aroma profile for your Dortmunder Export beer. However, remember that different hop varieties may have different alpha acid levels and produce different bitterness levels in the beer.

What is the recommended carbonation level for this beer?

The recommended carbonation level for Dortmunder Export beer is between 2.5 and 2.8 volumes of CO2. This will give the beer a crisp and refreshing mouthfeel with a moderate level of carbonation.

To achieve this level of carbonation, you can use a carbonation calculator or refer to a carbonation chart to determine the appropriate amount of priming sugar to use when bottling or kegging the beer.

Can I use a different type of malt in this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of malt in this recipe to create a unique flavor and aroma profile for your Dortmunder Export beer. However, remember that different malt varieties may have other enzymatic activity and may require adjustments to the mash and sparge temperatures.

Different malts may also affect the color and body of the beer, so it’s essential to experiment and find the malt combination that works best for you.

What is the estimated cost to make a batch of this beer?

The estimated cost to make a batch of Dortmunder Export beer will depend on the ingredients, equipment, and additional supplies, such as sanitizers and bottles or kegs.

However, as a general estimate, the cost to make a 5-gallon (19-liter) batch of this beer using all-grain brewing methods can range from $30-USD 50. The cost may be higher for extract brewing methods, as the cost of malt extract can be more expensive than crushed malted barley.

Additionally, the charge may vary depending on where you purchase your ingredients and equipment and any shipping fees or taxes.

How can I adjust the recipe to make a gluten-free version of this beer?

To make a gluten-free version of this beer, you must use gluten-free grains such as rice, millet, or sorghum instead of barley malt. You can also use alternative sources of enzymes, such as amylase or beta-glucanase, to convert the starches in the grains into fermentable sugars.

Additionally, you will need to use a gluten-free yeast strain and ensure that all equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to avoid contamination with gluten.

Remember that making a gluten-free beer can be more challenging and may require additional research and experimentation to achieve the desired flavor profile.

Can I add ingredients like oak chips or vanilla to this beer?

Add ingredients like oak chips or vanilla to this beer to create a unique flavor and aroma profile. Oak chips can be added to the fermenter to give the beer a subtle oak flavor and aroma.

In contrast, vanilla can be added during secondary fermentation or bottling to give the beer a sweet and creamy taste.

However, remember that these additional ingredients may affect the overall flavor profile of the beer, so it’s essential to experiment and find the best balance for you.

Can I make this beer using a different yeast strain?

You can make this beer using a different yeast strain to create a unique flavor and aroma profile. However, remember that different yeast strains may have other characteristics and affect the beer’s overall taste and aroma.

What is the recommended serving temperature for this beer?

The recommended serving temperature for Dortmunder Export beer is between 4-7°C (39-45°F). This will allow the beer to showcase its crisp and refreshing flavor profile and highlight the subtle malt and hop notes. It’s essential to serve the beer at a consistent temperature to avoid fluctuations in flavor and aroma.

Can I make a smaller or larger batch of this beer?

Yes, you can adjust the batch size of this beer to make a smaller or larger batch. Keep in mind that changing the batch size may require adjustments to the amounts of ingredients used and the equipment needed.

For smaller batches, you may need to adjust the recipe to use a smaller amount of malt and hops, while for larger sets, you may need to scale up the recipe accordingly. Additionally, the fermentation and conditioning times may need to be adjusted depending on the batch size.

What is the recommended glassware for serving this beer?

The recommended glassware for serving Dortmunder Export beer is a footed pilsner glass or a tulip glass. These glasses showcase the beer’s color and clarity allowing, the aroma and flavor to shine through the tall, slender shape of these glasses helping to maintain the beer’s carbonation and head retention.

Dan Smullen Beer is my life profile

Hi, I'm Dan, founder of BeerIsMyLife. I've been an avid homebrewer for over ten years, and beer is my true passion. I've traveled all over the world, visiting breweries, tasting beer, as well as making my own batches. I set up this blog to share that experience with you.