Brewery / taproom
Unclaimed profileGoldfinger Brewing Company
Downers Grove, IL · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Goldfinger is a lager-only brewery that applies meticulous traditional technique to a style often treated as an afterthought. The core lineup spans German, Czech, and Mexican-inspired lagers, all naturally carbonated from fermentation. A modest taproom and weekend food trucks keep the focus squarely on the beer.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Original Lager, a single-decoction flagship that scored 98 with Craft Beer & Brewing. Then work through the Pils, Vienna, and Chela Clara to gauge the brewery's range. If available, try seasonals or collaborations like Krakow with Schilling Beer Co.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Lager purists and anyone skeptical of craft beer's hop-heavy default will find a home here. Traditionalists will appreciate the decoction mashes and natural carbonation. Also suits those who prefer a focused tap list over a sprawling, style-scattered menu.
- When should I go?
- Weekends when food trucks are on site, or any time you want to sample a rotating lineup of lagers in a neighborhood taproom. The brewery is two blocks from the Fairview Metra station, making it a convenient stop.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Pricing not available from official sources or community reports; expect typical craft brewery taproom pricing for pours.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A laser focus on lager styles, brewed with traditional techniques like single and double decoction, and naturally carbonated using fermentation-produced CO2. This technical rigor, recognized by a 98 rating for the Original Lager, sets it apart from the hop-forward craft norm.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Beer
A lager-only brewery executing traditional styles with precision. Flagship Original Lager won a 98 from Craft Beer & Brewing. Naturally carbonated beers and a lineup spanning German, Czech, and Mexican styles.
Menu strengths
- — Exclusive focus on lager styles, brewed with traditional techniques like single and double decoction.
- — Natural carbonation from fermentation CO2, resulting in a smoother drinking experience.
- — Original Lager received a 98 rating from Craft Beer & Brewing magazine.
Standout selections
- — Original Lager – flagship lager, 18 IBU, 5.2% ABV, single decoction.
- — Pils – German pilsner, 30 IBU, 4.9% ABV, step mash.
- — Vienna – Vienna lager, 28 IBU, 5.5% ABV, double decoction.
- — Chela Clara – Mexican-style lager, 12 IBU, 4.6% ABV.
Pricing: Pricing not available from official sources or community reports.
How it sits with the food
Food is limited to light snacks like pretzels, but you can bring your own food or order delivery. Weekend food trucks provide more substantial pairings. The Vienna lager's maltiness and the crisp Pils would complement a range of foods.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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