Ayinger Jahrhundert-Bier

Tasting Notes

The aroma is clean and understated, with soft grain, a faint floral hop note, and just a touch of honey. On the palate it's smooth and moderately malty — bread-like without being heavy — with a gentle bitterness that keeps things balanced rather than sweet. The body sits in a comfortable middle ground, neither thin nor full. The finish is dry and clean, fading quietly without much lingering bitterness or residual sugar.

About the Brewery

Ayinger is a family-owned Bavarian brewery based in Aying, a small village southeast of Munich, founded in 1878. They're known for producing technically precise, traditionally brewed lagers and wheat beers that have earned consistent international recognition, including multiple World Beer Cup medals. Their lineup ranges from the Celebrator doppelbock to lighter everyday lagers, and they remain one of the more respected names in export-quality German brewing.

Food Pairings

Roast chicken works well here because the beer's moderate malt softens the savory fat without competing with it. Weisswurst or mild bratwurst pairs naturally given the Bavarian roots and the beer's grain-forward character. A soft pretzel with mustard plays directly into the bread-and-grain register of the malt. Mild semi-soft cheeses like Havarti or Muenster echo the honey note without overwhelming it. Lightly seasoned pork schnitzel benefits from the dry finish cutting through the breading.

Style Guide

Dortmunder Export is a pale German lager that originated in the industrial city of Dortmund in the mid-19th century, developed partly to withstand long-distance shipping. It sits between a Helles and a Pilsner — fuller and slightly more malt-forward than a German Pils, but crisper and drier than a Munich Helles. Bitterness is present but restrained, ABV typically runs 5–5.5%, and the overall character is balanced rather than showcasing any single element. It was once one of Germany's most-exported beer styles before losing ground to international lager brands.