Dittmar's Dortmunder, Headless Mumby Brewing

Collaboration projects are not unusual in the brewing industry, but this is something a little bit different: one brewery creating a beer to mark another brewery’s anniversary.

Airways Brewing of Kent, Washington is about to mark its 10th year. To commemorate the occasion, and to show its appreciation of Airway’s owner and brewmaster Alex Dittmar, Headless Mumby Brewing of Olympia, Washington releases Dittmar’s Dortmunder on Saturday, February 29th.

Dortmunder is not a word you hear every day. This German-style pale lager was originally brewed in the city of Dortmund, Germany during the 19th century. Also referred to as European Export or Dortmunder Export, it was a popular style until a few decades ago when it was supplanted by German-style Pilsner as the most recognizable form of German beer. For less-astute palates, it is not easily distinguished from German Pilsner and Helles.

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By definition, Dortmunder is bright and crisp like a Helles, but hoppy like a Pilsner. It is slightly maltier and deeper gold than a Pilsner and usually clocks in between 5 percent ABV and 6 percent ABV. Expect a firm malt body, not too sweet, balanced by the hop character.

Dittmar’s Dortmunder was brewed with Pilsner malt, a bit of Vienna and Munich malts, and Perle hops. As far as paying tribute to Alex Dittmar, this kind of beer is right up his alley. Though his brewery is often recognized for things like IPA and Stout, he is a big fan of German-style lagers. In 2014 Airways Brewing brought home a gold medal from the GABF for its Pre-Flight Pilsner, which is no easy task.

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“In many ways, Alex Dittmar has been a great friend to our beer,” say Keith Ciani and Alex Maffeo, co-owners at Headless Mumby. “We wanted to do something for him to help celebrate this milestone.”

The release corresponds with Washington Beer Open House, a statewide celebration of beer and brewing. Festivities at Headless Mumby Brewinmg include the tapping of a cask of the Dittmar’s Dortmunder dry-hopped with Perle hops, give-aways, and brewery tours at noon, 2:00, and 4:00.

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