Day 230: Dortmunder Gold

Name: Dortmunder Gold

Brewer: Great Lakes Brewing Company (Cleveland, OH)

Classification: Dortmunder 

Alcohol: 5.8%

Thoughts: There has been some commotion in the Triangle Beer world because Great Lakes, who has an impeccable reputation, has started to sell their beer in the area. My time at The Flying Saucer allowed me to try a Great Lakes brew for the first time. This Dortmunder Gold pours, well, a darker gold color with a crisp, white head that floated on top the entire drinking experience. The nose is very grainy with bready malts and little bit of distinct sweetness. It seemed pretty "German" to me, like a Munich Helles Lager. However the taste was very much American craft delightfulness. Here's the rundown. The taste first starts with more grainy malts than the smell signifies, which quickly turns into a zesty citrus flavor, which then finishes grassy notes and a tinge of alcoholic splash. This beer was a real surprise. I expected it to taste malty and grainy and that's about it. It was refreshingly much more than that. The carbonation is a bit fizzy and the feel is very light. I could go on and on about this beer, but I think you will just have to try it for yourself. Also, just to let you know that I am not the only one who thinks so highly of this beer, BeerAdvocate gave it a 99! And yes, that's out of 100. 

Rating: 91/100