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Rating: 4.50
Location: Downers Grove, IL
Founded: 2021
Last visited: June 2023
Goldfinger specializes in brewing lagers and because of their meticulous approach, they only have a handful of beers available on tap. When we visited, they offered five beers. It would be a mistake, however, to conclude that the relatively small number of beers on tap represents a shortfall in beer quality. These folks know what they’re doing.
The taproom is tidy and spacious; the patio area looks like a comfortable gathering place. The brewing and fermentation tanks are on display from the taproom.
BEER:
Dortmunder (4.00) – Yellow straw appearance. Somewhat lighter bodied than expected. Highly drinkable. Hop bitterness very well balanced.
Maibock (4.75) – Big, sweet malty lager. Hop bitterness takes a back seat, but is more than just a mere passenger in this beer. 7% ABV lurks in the background.
Original Lager (4.00) – Straw colored lager, medium-bodied and made for drinking. Hop bitterness is subtle and almost hidden and is evident only in the aftertaste.
Pils (5.00) – Bright, straw colored pilsner. Fresh, crisp flavor. Aggressively bittered, as appropriate. Excellent, bready mouthfeel. As good as any pilsner brewed in Germany.
Vienna Lager (4.50) – Copper colored lager. Roasted and caramel malts in play, but probably needs more. Excellent balance between malty sweetness and hop bitterness.
FOOD:
Large Bavarian pretzels are available, along with other snacks.