Wayfinder Beer Export Dortmunder Lager Review

Craft Beer Review: Wayfinder Beer / Export (Dortmunder)

This article is based on a May 2023 tasting experience and was updated in June 2025.

Wayfinder Beer is an American craft brewery based in Portland, Oregon, founded in 2016. Specializing in German-style lagers, they produce high-quality beers that fuse traditional techniques with modern sensibility. The “Export” reviewed here is a Dortmunder-style (Export) beer. Born in the Dortmund region of Germany in the 19th century, this style was brewed with slightly higher ABV (typically 5.2-6.0%) for export, featuring a gorgeous and luxurious flavor profile.

Wayfinder Beer / Export Basic Information

Export Style Characteristics

Appearance (Subjective)

Pouring into the glass reveals a surprisingly crystal clear beautiful golden color. Transparent enough to see through completely, slightly lighter than typical Dortmunder. While standard Dortmunder tends to be more brownish (SRM 5-6), this shows a modern Wayfinder interpretation.

Aroma Profile (Subjective)

The following aroma evaluation is a personal impression. Aroma perception varies.

As temperature rises further, the malt’s cookie-like grain character becomes prominent. With mass-market beers, this stage often becomes unpleasant, but Wayfinder’s Export maintains its elegance throughout.

Flavor Profile (Retronasal) – Subjective

Detailed Taste Analysis (Subjective)

The following taste evaluation is a personal impression. Taste varies by individual.

Mouthfeel

Natural beer-like drinkability with a slightly viscous texture. This is a characteristically Dortmunder trait, maintaining an exquisite balance of not too light, not too heavy.

Body and Texture

舌の上に乗ると、ゆっくりジワジワとBitternessが広がっていきます。ドルトムンダーらしい確かなアルコール感もしっかり感じられますが、主張が強すぎて嫌になることはありません。香りのモルト感は軽やかなのに対して、舌の上に乗るとずっしりとした重みを感じる興味深いコントラストがあります。

The Swallow

Aftertaste

Aftertasteにはレモンドロップと花のような甘さが長く残ります。キレずにまったりと喉を通り、じんわりとホップの余韻が残り続けるのがとても印象的。このゆったりとした余韻こそが、エクスポートスタイルの真骨頂と言えるでしょう。

Overall Impression (Subjective)

Overall Rating

About the Bottle Sediment

Perhaps because the temperature has risen, the sediment has an intense malt cookie character. In the mouth there’s strong acidity and alcohol, but it’s also tasty. Fine to mix in, and in fact adds to the beer’s complexity.

Where to Buy

Wayfinder Beer’s Export is available at import craft beer shops like The Slop Shop. The importer is HATOS BAR, with stock usually arriving around May.

Check out our article on craft beer Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) options!

クラフトビールのふるさと納税完全ガイド

ふるさと納税で手に入るクラフトビールをブルワリー別にまとめました。納税先を検討中の方は参考にしてください。

rihobeer.com

2024.07.05

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Japan Craft Beer Travel Reports

Riho, who lived in Japan until 2024, shares travel reports visiting craft beer scenes across the country.Visiting unique breweries from Hokkaido to Kyushu. From brewery taprooms to local beer pubs, sharing reports on Japanese craft beer culture. Seasonal brews, beers with local ingredients, and brewer conversations – all available from the tag page below.

Japan アーカイブ - りほのビール旅行記 - アメリカと日本のブルワリー訪問

「Japan」の記事一覧です。

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Dedicated Glass for Dortmunder

This article contains affiliate links. Purchases may generate a commission but do not influence review content or product selection.

References

Reliable sources used for fact-checking:

• Wayfinder Beer 公式サイト – https://www.wayfinder.beer/ （Accessed: June 18, 2025）
• Wayfinder Beer 公式Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wayfinderbeer/ （Accessed: June 18, 2025）
• About the Dortmunder Style – BJCP Style Guidelines – https://www.bjcp.org/ （Accessed: June 18, 2025）
• HATOS BAR（輸入元） – https://hatosbar.com/ （Accessed: June 18, 2025）

Information may change without notice. Check official websites for latest details.

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