Judge’s Review: 96 Rating – Goldfinger Original Lager by Goldfinger Brewing Co.

Munich Helles | Year-Round | USA

By James Link

Judges Rating: 96.00
Aroma: 23.00
Appearance: 6.00
Flavor: 39.00
Mouthfeel: 9.00
Overall Impression: 19.00

Goldfinger Original Lager by Goldfinger Brewing Co. was reviewed as category 4A, Munich Helles, per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.
Poured from a 16-ounce can and imbibed via a pilsner glass, this reviewer noted lots of active tiny white bubbles supporting a tight white head over this light golden-hued beer. The aroma was malt-forward, exhibiting a baked bread bouquet and other grain-like complexity with just a wisp of noble hops in a supporting role.
A well-lagered effort reflecting bready, doughy and soft malt flavors that came through cleanly with very little hop contribution.The softness manifest in the mouthfeel, alongside the visible carbonation, smacks of decoction mashing. A medium-bodied lager with alcohol levels as per style parameters.
Helles at its finest. Gabriel Sedlmayr, the creator of the style in 1894, would be pleased that his creation is still so well represented, via this brew and others, in 2025.