Dortmunder Gold
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Beer Geek Stats
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- From:
- Great Lakes Brewing Co.
- Ohio, United States
- Style:
- Lager - European / Dortmunder Export
Ranked #1 - ABV:
- 5.8%
- Score:
- 91
Ranked #7,827 - Avg:
- 4.06 | pDev: 11.33%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Mar 13, 2022
- Added:
- Sep 18, 2001
- Wants:
- 225
- Gots:
- 775
SCORE
91
Outstanding
91
Outstanding
Notes:
Yes, it's known for winning medals worldwide. But locally, it's known as "Dort," our flagship lager that humbly maintains its smooth, balanced (and charmingly unpretentious) ways.
A smooth, award-winning (and deceptively unassuming) balance of sweet malt and dry hop flavors.
World Beer Championships
16-Time Medal Winner Since 1994 (World Champion, Gold, Silver)
Great American Beer Festival Awards
1990 Gold Medal Winner
A smooth, award-winning (and deceptively unassuming) balance of sweet malt and dry hop flavors.
World Beer Championships
16-Time Medal Winner Since 1994 (World Champion, Gold, Silver)
Great American Beer Festival Awards
1990 Gold Medal Winner
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
4.52/5 rDev +11.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by Stevosps from Pennsylvania
This lager when poured from Tap has a half inch foamy head. Clear amber color. A sweet hop aroma. A Carmel hop sweet flavor with a slight bitter hop tase over the pallet to counter the sweetness . Great Lakes has a strong winner with Dortmunder Gold Lager!!
Mar 13, 2022
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by Stevosps from Pennsylvania
This lager when poured from Tap has a half inch foamy head. Clear amber color. A sweet hop aroma. A Carmel hop sweet flavor with a slight bitter hop tase over the pallet to counter the sweetness . Great Lakes has a strong winner with Dortmunder Gold Lager!!
Mar 13, 2022
3.73 by Metalgod666 from Michigan on Mar 06, 2022
4.05/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by Tsar_Riga from Indiana
A - Pours out a clear orange. A white head, with a full persistent cap after the fade. Lots of fine line lacing on the glass as I drink.
S - Strong hit of sour grain, grassy hop notes, and a bit of minerality.
T - A lovely honey note over a soft, undefined apple or pear flavor, with steeped tea acidity and limestone as the sweetness washes away, then a bitter close that skirts the line between pith and aspirin, staying on the right side fortunately and finishing clean.
M - This beer is so drinkable, despite the fairly challenging flavor profile, because it lands light, closes dry, and leaves you looking for the next drink.
O - The style is not one I seek or particularly enjoy, but this beer illustrates why a good lager of this type can be an enjoyable experience that people want to consume while downing pretzels and sausages. Prost!
Mar 03, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by Tsar_Riga from Indiana
A - Pours out a clear orange. A white head, with a full persistent cap after the fade. Lots of fine line lacing on the glass as I drink.
S - Strong hit of sour grain, grassy hop notes, and a bit of minerality.
T - A lovely honey note over a soft, undefined apple or pear flavor, with steeped tea acidity and limestone as the sweetness washes away, then a bitter close that skirts the line between pith and aspirin, staying on the right side fortunately and finishing clean.
M - This beer is so drinkable, despite the fairly challenging flavor profile, because it lands light, closes dry, and leaves you looking for the next drink.
O - The style is not one I seek or particularly enjoy, but this beer illustrates why a good lager of this type can be an enjoyable experience that people want to consume while downing pretzels and sausages. Prost!
Mar 03, 2022
2.75 by mpenske from California on Feb 20, 2022
3.96 by DarrellK from Florida on Feb 19, 2022
3.5/5 rDev -13.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by GuyFawkes from Illinois
"Best by 3/3/22"; drank 2/16/22 @ the Yarchives.
See-though orange rust appearance.
A rough pour yielded a big off-white head; frothy lace.
Sweet corn, yeast & raw wheat notes in the nose.
Medium mouthfeel.
Sweet corn & dry wheat flavors up front; yeast & faint caramel notes on the finish.
A bit clashing, to this palate at least.
Feb 17, 2022
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by GuyFawkes from Illinois
"Best by 3/3/22"; drank 2/16/22 @ the Yarchives.
See-though orange rust appearance.
A rough pour yielded a big off-white head; frothy lace.
Sweet corn, yeast & raw wheat notes in the nose.
Medium mouthfeel.
Sweet corn & dry wheat flavors up front; yeast & faint caramel notes on the finish.
A bit clashing, to this palate at least.
Feb 17, 2022
4 by bottom_ramen on Feb 13, 2022
4.21/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Dustin015 from Maryland
L- Pours amber gold with quickly dissipating head
S- Caramel malt and floral hop aroma
T- medium sweet malt followed by mellow bitterness
F- Medium body high carbonation
O- Highly drinkable and well balanced lager
Feb 09, 2022
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Dustin015 from Maryland
L- Pours amber gold with quickly dissipating head
S- Caramel malt and floral hop aroma
T- medium sweet malt followed by mellow bitterness
F- Medium body high carbonation
O- Highly drinkable and well balanced lager
Feb 09, 2022
2.6 by bendukes86 from South Carolina on Feb 08, 2022
4.19 by LunchMoney from Minnesota on Jan 28, 2022
4/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by KT3418 from Colorado
Highly enjoyed this one as well, translucent gold on the look with a half inch of foam from Melt Bar & Grill. This went down easy for sure with that mild bread flavor
Jan 23, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by KT3418 from Colorado
Highly enjoyed this one as well, translucent gold on the look with a half inch of foam from Melt Bar & Grill. This went down easy for sure with that mild bread flavor
Jan 23, 2022
4.33/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Beersnake1 from California
Poured from a can at fridge temp. Pours a nice murky orange with white head. Head sticks around for a few min and leaves a nice lacing. Nose is caramel malts, honey, mango, a floral note, and maybe a hint of maple syrup. Apple as well. The taste is super smooth and crisp. Malts, bread, grass, granny smith apples, honey, toffee, mango, pineapple, and a bitter leather note at the end. This is very nice and full of depth. Mouthfeel is fairly light and crisp. Overall, I love this beer. Great stuff.
Jan 20, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Beersnake1 from California
Poured from a can at fridge temp. Pours a nice murky orange with white head. Head sticks around for a few min and leaves a nice lacing. Nose is caramel malts, honey, mango, a floral note, and maybe a hint of maple syrup. Apple as well. The taste is super smooth and crisp. Malts, bread, grass, granny smith apples, honey, toffee, mango, pineapple, and a bitter leather note at the end. This is very nice and full of depth. Mouthfeel is fairly light and crisp. Overall, I love this beer. Great stuff.
Jan 20, 2022
3.78/5 rDev -6.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by HarlotBronte from District of Columbia
On tap at Dulles airport
L: Pours a deep gold with an orange tint. Clear both a very subtle haze.
S: Bready malt
T: Bready malt and dry hops. More hop punch than most lagers. Complex, yet easy to drink.
F: Medium bodied, crisp, dry finish
O: First dortmunder so nothing to compare it to. I’d like to try more of this style.
Jan 14, 2022
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by HarlotBronte from District of Columbia
On tap at Dulles airport
L: Pours a deep gold with an orange tint. Clear both a very subtle haze.
S: Bready malt
T: Bready malt and dry hops. More hop punch than most lagers. Complex, yet easy to drink.
F: Medium bodied, crisp, dry finish
O: First dortmunder so nothing to compare it to. I’d like to try more of this style.
Jan 14, 2022
3.84/5 rDev -5.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by jackflaps from Pennsylvania
Bottle into glass.
L: Deep golden, small but persistent head
S: Very bready, malty.
T: Lots of malt depth, a bit of sweetness and maybe a little fruit alongside the breadiness.
F: Crisp and drinkable
O: Solid entry in the genre. Good beer for summertime.
Jan 01, 2022
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by jackflaps from Pennsylvania
Bottle into glass.
L: Deep golden, small but persistent head
S: Very bready, malty.
T: Lots of malt depth, a bit of sweetness and maybe a little fruit alongside the breadiness.
F: Crisp and drinkable
O: Solid entry in the genre. Good beer for summertime.
Jan 01, 2022
4.2/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by illtexzona from Illinois
On draft at Lavergne's Tavern (Berwyn, IL) 12/30/2021
L - bright yellow, full foamy head
S - malt, bread, spicy hops
T - caramelized malts, sweet bread, a touch of noble hop spice
F - light and clean
O - Great beer brewed to style. This is a perfect sixer on the porch beer.
Dec 31, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by illtexzona from Illinois
On draft at Lavergne's Tavern (Berwyn, IL) 12/30/2021
L - bright yellow, full foamy head
S - malt, bread, spicy hops
T - caramelized malts, sweet bread, a touch of noble hop spice
F - light and clean
O - Great beer brewed to style. This is a perfect sixer on the porch beer.
Dec 31, 2021
3 by doctorgary from New York on Dec 28, 2021
4.04/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Wryntei from Maryland
Grabbed a Great Lakes variety pack and this is the first one I tried.
It’s golden to amber in color with a limited amount of foam, moderate carbonation, and clear appearance.
The smell is not too strong for me but the malt does come through. There seems to be a hint of citrus as well.
It’s an enjoyable, easy drinking beer that packs a bit more punch than a traditional lager. It has a medium body with no hip bitterness. I’m looking forward to another one.
Dec 04, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Wryntei from Maryland
Grabbed a Great Lakes variety pack and this is the first one I tried.
It’s golden to amber in color with a limited amount of foam, moderate carbonation, and clear appearance.
The smell is not too strong for me but the malt does come through. There seems to be a hint of citrus as well.
It’s an enjoyable, easy drinking beer that packs a bit more punch than a traditional lager. It has a medium body with no hip bitterness. I’m looking forward to another one.
Dec 04, 2021
4.12/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by hbeimers from Illinois
Golden-orangeish color. Fresh aromas. Excellent balance of bitterness and sweetness. Very smooth and creamy. I actually like it more on the warmer side, though not quite room temp. Super lager.
Nov 18, 2021
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by hbeimers from Illinois
Golden-orangeish color. Fresh aromas. Excellent balance of bitterness and sweetness. Very smooth and creamy. I actually like it more on the warmer side, though not quite room temp. Super lager.
Nov 18, 2021
4.15 by JoeLacy from Ohio on Nov 06, 2021
4.5/5 rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Pivopijak from Washington
draught
Medium orange, with some caramel and amber overtones, in the appearance. Slightly sweet, medium caramelized malt aroma, with a touch of sweet spice and a tiny noble hop note. Very smooth, touch sweet, lightly spiced, moderately roasted and caramelized malt, with a very subtle, floral, noble hop aspect. Medium, creamy mouthfeel, and a caramelized malt and touch of hops, for the finish. Really good!
Oct 30, 2021
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Pivopijak from Washington
draught
Medium orange, with some caramel and amber overtones, in the appearance. Slightly sweet, medium caramelized malt aroma, with a touch of sweet spice and a tiny noble hop note. Very smooth, touch sweet, lightly spiced, moderately roasted and caramelized malt, with a very subtle, floral, noble hop aspect. Medium, creamy mouthfeel, and a caramelized malt and touch of hops, for the finish. Really good!
Oct 30, 2021
3.71 by 98green from Michigan on Oct 24, 2021
4 by rdub from Pennsylvania on Oct 11, 2021
4.25/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Cdriver0414 from Kentucky
This beer brings a unique character to the style. It pours and smells similar to a pilsner. The body is complex, sweet and malty with a delicate finish. A definite regular drinker for lager fans
Oct 09, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Cdriver0414 from Kentucky
This beer brings a unique character to the style. It pours and smells similar to a pilsner. The body is complex, sweet and malty with a delicate finish. A definite regular drinker for lager fans
Oct 09, 2021
4.47 by Stormrunner1730 on Oct 04, 2021
3.77 by Chipwells from Georgia on Oct 02, 2021
4.07/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by LesDewitt4beer from Minnesota
12oz bottle enjoy by 11/7/21 into a tall lager glass.
L: Pours pure rich gold with a 1" fluffy, bubbly eggshell white head that goes to thin. Low carbonation with some free-form lacing.
S: Sweet rich caramel, faint malt, esters, white bread, yeast.
T: Sweet rich dark caramel, butterscotch candy, light pine, orange zest, peach, orange cognac, caramelized toasted malts. Fruity hops weave through semi-chewy malt.
F: Extra smooth semi-randy med-heavy mouthfeel with a clean, high-gloss medium length finish. It is lightly drying.
O: Light bitterness stays on top of the broad malt wave to complete a very full flavored clean drinking and overall semi-sweet American Dortmund Gold Lager. Rich and smooth it is very excellent in it's style.
Sep 30, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by LesDewitt4beer from Minnesota
12oz bottle enjoy by 11/7/21 into a tall lager glass.
L: Pours pure rich gold with a 1" fluffy, bubbly eggshell white head that goes to thin. Low carbonation with some free-form lacing.
S: Sweet rich caramel, faint malt, esters, white bread, yeast.
T: Sweet rich dark caramel, butterscotch candy, light pine, orange zest, peach, orange cognac, caramelized toasted malts. Fruity hops weave through semi-chewy malt.
F: Extra smooth semi-randy med-heavy mouthfeel with a clean, high-gloss medium length finish. It is lightly drying.
O: Light bitterness stays on top of the broad malt wave to complete a very full flavored clean drinking and overall semi-sweet American Dortmund Gold Lager. Rich and smooth it is very excellent in it's style.
Sep 30, 2021
3.78 by Chuckdiesel24 from Illinois on Sep 27, 2021
4.81/5 rDev +18.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by DaddyP
Amazing classic Lager that has it all. It's been around since Great Lakes opened its doors and remains a top contender in this category.
Sep 26, 2021
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by DaddyP
Amazing classic Lager that has it all. It's been around since Great Lakes opened its doors and remains a top contender in this category.
Sep 26, 2021
4.1/5 rDev +1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by ZebulonXZogg from Illinois
Pours a "beery" looking yellow with a white head that fades quickly leaving a lightly laced glass. Malty aroma with some mild hops, flavor follows with some "bready" notes. Lightly carbonated, medium bodied. I didn't think I'd care much for this one. I was wrong.
Aug 22, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by ZebulonXZogg from Illinois
Pours a "beery" looking yellow with a white head that fades quickly leaving a lightly laced glass. Malty aroma with some mild hops, flavor follows with some "bready" notes. Lightly carbonated, medium bodied. I didn't think I'd care much for this one. I was wrong.
Aug 22, 2021
4.55/5 rDev +12.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
by deleted_user_1160702 from Pennsylvania
Flavorful and refreshing, a long-time favorite summer beer for me. A year round fav, actually. Clear golden color, low to moderate carbonation, nice head dissolves pretty quickly, pleasing lacing, not too much. Moderately alchoholic, high fives. All in all, a superb, restrained brew, that doesn't cry out for attention. But you realize that it deserves attention: perfect balance of malt and hops, (for a lager, that is). To me, the equal of some of the most enjoyable lagers I've had in Germany.
Aug 06, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
by deleted_user_1160702 from Pennsylvania
Flavorful and refreshing, a long-time favorite summer beer for me. A year round fav, actually. Clear golden color, low to moderate carbonation, nice head dissolves pretty quickly, pleasing lacing, not too much. Moderately alchoholic, high fives. All in all, a superb, restrained brew, that doesn't cry out for attention. But you realize that it deserves attention: perfect balance of malt and hops, (for a lager, that is). To me, the equal of some of the most enjoyable lagers I've had in Germany.
Aug 06, 2021
4.09/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by CaptainHate from Ohio
I tended to avoid this because I thought the style was boring compared to others but sometimes you learn to appreciate a well crafted beer of any style.
Aug 05, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by CaptainHate from Ohio
I tended to avoid this because I thought the style was boring compared to others but sometimes you learn to appreciate a well crafted beer of any style.
Aug 05, 2021
4.09/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by BeerAndGasMasks from Virginia
From the bottle, it pours a golden color with a modest white head that slowly reduces to a thin layer and nice ring. The nose gets malt with some caramel notes. The mouth gets the same: nicely malty overall.
Jul 31, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by BeerAndGasMasks from Virginia
From the bottle, it pours a golden color with a modest white head that slowly reduces to a thin layer and nice ring. The nose gets malt with some caramel notes. The mouth gets the same: nicely malty overall.
Jul 31, 2021
3.71 by mcbraxt from Michigan on Jul 25, 2021
3.73 by azwdz on Jul 20, 2021
4.13/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by NeutroMan from Illinois
12 oz can, best-by date of 09/08/21 stamped on the bottom, poured into a pilsner glass.
A: Pours a clear deep golden color with a fluffy one-and-a-half finger white head. Steady stream of bubbles rising from the bottom.
S: Toasted malt, some mild floral hops, and just a hint of spice.
T: Freshly baked rye bread, toasted malt, a hint of honey and cinnamon spice. Dry hop bitterness is mild and perfectly complements the malt sweetness.
M: Medium bodied, smooth, just the right amount of carbonation.
O: The canonical example of a balanced, easy-drinking lager that can be full of flavor and immensely enjoyable.
Jul 18, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by NeutroMan from Illinois
12 oz can, best-by date of 09/08/21 stamped on the bottom, poured into a pilsner glass.
A: Pours a clear deep golden color with a fluffy one-and-a-half finger white head. Steady stream of bubbles rising from the bottom.
S: Toasted malt, some mild floral hops, and just a hint of spice.
T: Freshly baked rye bread, toasted malt, a hint of honey and cinnamon spice. Dry hop bitterness is mild and perfectly complements the malt sweetness.
M: Medium bodied, smooth, just the right amount of carbonation.
O: The canonical example of a balanced, easy-drinking lager that can be full of flavor and immensely enjoyable.
Jul 18, 2021
4.23 by Myboymi from Kansas on Jul 16, 2021
4.09 by BrendanStoehr96 from Wisconsin on Jul 02, 2021
4.36 by stanale from Illinois on Jun 21, 2021
4.35/5 rDev +7.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by mpk2020 from Illinois
One of the best beers around.!
Jun 20, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by mpk2020 from Illinois
One of the best beers around.!
Jun 20, 2021
4 by eagles22 from Pennsylvania on Jun 16, 2021
Dortmunder Gold from Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
91 out of
100 with
3534 ratings