Mastering Craft Lager Techniques with Goldfinger Brewing: Pilsners, Baltic Porters, Dunkels and More (Plus: Is Draft Beer Always Better Than Canned or Bottled?)

Explore lager history, techniques, and misconceptions with the head brewer of one of the best Lager breweries in the U.S.

02:00 Beer Myth: Is draft beer always better than canned or bottled beer? It turns out that draft systems and draft lines have a lot to do with the quality of the beer you’re drinking, and Katherine breaks down what you might want to consider before you order your next beer. The myth busting leads to a discussion of draft beer systems, including Czech traditions, side-pour taps, and LUKR faucets.

08:40 Goldfinger Brewing: Tom Beckmann, owner and head brewer of Goldfinger Brewing Company, discusses the nuances of Lager brewing, explaining concepts such as the Czech "milk pour," the German "slow pour," and the importance of foam in beer. He delves into the history of brewing, reveals his impressive family brewing legacy, and shares the specifics of crafting a perfect lager, with insights into decoction mashing, aeration techniques, and horizontal fermentation tanks. He also debunks dark beer myths, discusses the aesthetics of beer pouring, and shares his personal beer preferences. Plus: gain insights into the brewing process behind Goldfinger's highly praised beers, the difference between Czech and German Pilsners, fun facts about Baltic Porters and Vienna Lagers, and the interesting origin of the Russian imperial stout.

46:50 This Week in Bad Customer Behavior: How do you feel about the phrase “did not disappoint” in the context of reviewing a brewery? Katherine has strong feelings about it, and when she shares them, let’s just say she “will not disappoint.” Join in on a hot debate as the episode ends, as always, in hijinx and hilarity!

Goldfinger Brewing Company is a Lager focused microbrewery located in Downers Grove, Illinois, two blocks northwest of the Fairview Metra station. Learn more at https://goldfingerbrewing.com/

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Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, Lager, craft beer conversations, beer pouring, foam factor, master brewer, beer myths, draft vs canned beer, beer history, Czech milk pour, German slow pour, fermentation tanks, beer aromatics, craft beer mastery, beer drinking culture, beer pouring rituals, Polish brewing legacy, beer palate, craft beer knowledge, beer clarity, dark beers, craft beer brewing process, beer fermentation, craft beer tasting, beer varieties, Vienna lager, Dunkel, horizontal fermentation tanks, beer tanks, beer taps, beer flavors, craft beer styles, beer foam, perfect beer pour, craft beer techniques, craft beer traditions, craft beer expertise, and beer styles.