Dab Original 12Pk

DAB Original 12Pk is a 12-pack of the classic Dortmunder Export lager brewed in Dortmund, Germany, at 4.8% ABV. DAB — Dortmunder Actien Brauerei — is widely credited with inventing the Dortmunder Export style, making this beer a direct link to one of Germany’s most historically significant brewing traditions.
Quick Facts: ABV: 4.8%  |  Origin: Dortmund, Germany  |  Style: Dortmunder Export Lager  |  Brewery: Dortmunder Actien Brauerei (DAB)
Production & Heritage
Dortmunder Actien Brauerei, known simply as DAB, is based in Dortmund — once the largest brewing city in continental Europe. The brewery originated the Dortmunder Export style, a bottom-fermented blond lager that became a milestone in German beer culture and a benchmark for clean, balanced brewing. DAB Original is brewed with water, barley malt, hops, and yeast in strict accordance with traditional lager methods, resulting in a beer that emphasizes malt character and restrained hop bitterness over complexity.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Light grain and bready malt open the nose, followed by floral and grassy hop notes. A subtle pear-like fruitiness and faint earthiness round out the bouquet without overwhelming the clean lager character.
Taste: The entry is dry and refreshing with gentle malt sweetness that carries a honey-like quality. Mid-palate, light breadiness develops alongside mild hop bitterness and a touch of grassiness. The malt and hops stay in balance throughout, never tilting too far in either direction.
Finish: Clean and crisp with a short, slightly bitter close. There is no lingering heaviness — the beer finishes dry, encouraging another sip.
How to Drink DAB Original
DAB Original is best served cold, between 40–45°F, in a traditional Stange glass or pint glass to let the carbonation and malt aromatics present themselves fully. It is a straightforward drinking lager built for refreshment rather than contemplation.
Radler: Mix half-and-half with lemonade for a traditional German warm-weather refresher — the clean malt base pairs naturally with citrus.
Shandy: Combine with ginger ale or ginger beer for a spicier variation; the dry finish of DAB Original keeps it from becoming overly sweet.
Michelada: The light body and mild bitterness hold up well against lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire, adding malt backbone without competing with the savory elements.
Best For
Stocking the fridge for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings
Introducing friends to authentic German lager styles
Pairing with casual weeknight meals like grilled sausages or pizza
Watching sports or game-day sessions where drinkability matters most
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DAB Original taste like? DAB Original delivers light bready malt sweetness balanced by mild floral and grassy hop bitterness, with a clean, dry finish that is highly refreshing.
How does DAB Original compare to Coors Extra Gold? Both are light-bodied, golden lagers with similar color and mild sweetness, but DAB Original carries more distinct malt breadiness and floral hop character rooted in the traditional Dortmunder Export style, while Coors Extra Gold leans toward a more neutral American adjunct lager profile.
Is DAB Original good for beginners? DAB Original is an excellent entry point for anyone exploring German lager styles, as it is approachable, low in bitterness, and easy-drinking at 4.8% ABV.
Where is DAB Original made? DAB Original is brewed by Dortmunder Actien Brauerei in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany — a city with a centuries-long brewing heritage that once rivaled Munich and Pilsen in output.
What foods pair well with DAB Original? Bratwurst and other grilled sausages complement the bready malt character. Soft pretzels with mustard mirror its German roots. Grilled chicken or fish tacos benefit from the beer’s dry, palate-cleansing finish. Mild cheeses like Gouda or Havarti match its restrained sweetness without overpowering it.
What sizes does DAB Original come in? DAB Original is commonly available in 12-packs; individual cans and bottles may also be found depending on market availability.
Is DAB Original worth the price? DAB Original positions as an affordable, everyday import lager that delivers genuine Dortmunder Export character at a value-friendly price tier — strong competition for domestic adjunct lagers when you want more malt depth without a premium price tag.
Why DAB Original?
DAB Original carries legitimate historical weight as the definitive Dortmunder Export — a style the brewery itself pioneered. In a market saturated with generic pale lagers, this beer offers real provenance: it is brewed in the city where the style was born, using a traditional bottom-fermentation process that prioritizes malt balance and clean drinkability. The 12-pack format makes it a practical choice for anyone who wants an authentic German lager on hand without reaching for a specialty single bottle. For the category, it remains one of the most historically credible options available.