BJCP 5C · Pale Bitter European Beer
German Helles Exportbier
A golden lager from Dortmund, stronger than a Munich Helles and maltier than a German Pils, with a dry finish and a characteristic mineral touch.
German Helles Exportbier by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 4.8 – 6.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 20 – 30 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 4 – 6 SRM8–12 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.050 – 1.058on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.008 – 1.015on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What German Helles Exportbier is like
A balanced pale lager with a bit more body and alcohol than a Munich Helles and a bitterness that falls between a Helles and a Pils. Dortmund's mineral-rich water gives it a dry, firm finish.
Appearance
Light gold to deep gold, bright. Persistent white head.
Aroma
Bready, slightly sweet malt with low to medium floral or spicy noble hops. There may be a light touch of sulfur.
Flavor
Soft bready malt, medium bitterness for balance and a dry to slightly mineral finish, with some hops. Neither malt nor hops dominate.
Mouthfeel
Medium body, smooth, and medium carbonation.
Where German Helles Exportbier comes from
It was born in Dortmund, a mining and industrial city in western Germany, in the late 19th century, as a lager for workers. It was called Export because of its slightly higher strength; it peaked in the mid-20th century and then declined.
Ingredients
Pilsner malt with some Munich or Vienna. German noble hops, medium to hard water with sulfates and carbonates, and a clean German lager yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew German Helles Exportbier at home
Raise the sulfate and calcium in your water a bit compared with a Munich Helles to get the dry, mineral finish, without going to extremes. Ferment at 9-11 °C (48-52 °F), do a diacetyl rest and lager cold for four to six weeks; carbonate to 2.5 volumes. The typical mistake is brewing it like a stronger Helles, which comes out too sweet.
Food pairing
Pairs well with grilled meats, roast chicken or semi-aged cheeses.
Glassware: beer mug (stein), big and with a handle, as in German and Czech beer halls.
Classic examples
- DAB Original
- Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold
Frequently asked questions
How strong is German Helles Exportbier?
Between 4.8% and 6.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.
How bitter is German Helles Exportbier?
It has 20 to 30 IBUs, a moderate bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is German Helles Exportbier?
Yellow to gold: 4 to 6 SRM (8 to 12 EBC).
What food pairs well with German Helles Exportbier?
Pairs well with grilled meats, roast chicken or semi-aged cheeses.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Munich Helles, German Pils and Festbier.
If you like German Helles Exportbier, try these
Classification and statistics: official German Helles Exportbier guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.