Goldenfield Brewery may serve your typical beers, but their origin story is anything but typical.

The brewery was founded by two brothers and a friend from Iran — a country where selling and consuming alcohol has been illegal since the late 1990s.

Goldenfield Brewery co-owner Ethan Chiti and employee Richard Suchit. Photo by Fareen Karim.

But the owners, Madhi Naderan, Jay Naderan, and Ethan Chiti, always had a fondness for beer — so much so that they would often brew their own beers with whatever materials and ingredients they had back in Iran.

Having settled in Toronto a few years ago, the owners wanted to make something meaningful from their previous experiences running industrial companies, their love of beer, and their appreciation for the city.

So they decided to make their mark in the city's craft beer scene by setting up their own brewery — and making it an inviting space for other newcomers in Canada.

Goldenfield initially started out as just a brewery, but eventually transformed into a brewery and tasting room. That's why half of the space is used to craft the beers, while the other half is for hosting customers.

There are seats at the bar and a spacious lounge area for people to socialize.

The owners hired Culum Canally as their head brewer to help create and curate their beer selections. Before brewing at Goldenfield, Canally earned his PhD in geography marketing and used to teach at Humber College; he also founded the co-operative brewing company Together We're Bitter.

Canally says he and the owners thought it would be best to start off their menu with some classic styles as a way to introduce newcomers to beer.

There's the 5.8 per cent Amber Ale ($8.90), for instance, which Canally finds approachable for customers.

A bit darker in comparison to other pale ales, it's a creamy, slightly malty, and mildly bitter beer, with notes of toffee and freshly baked bread.

The 4.5 per cent Persian Pilsner ($7.90) is a light-body, corn-based lager that's made with fruits imported from Iran, like Shiraz grapes and dried Persian limes, which also gives it those citrus notes. It's refreshing, semisweet, and slightly bitter.

Another beverage that uses Persian limes is the Witbier ($7.90). It's similar to a Belgian ale in terms of its wheat taste; there are also notes of coriander and orange peel.

Goldenfield has two types of IPAs; the 9 per cent Double IPA ($8.90) in particular is a must if you're new to trying this type of beer. It's crisp and has notes of a citrusy bubblegum.

The brewery also does a nice, creamy, chocolatey rich stout called the Baltic Porter ($8.90). At 11.9 per cent, the stout has notes of cardamom, cinnamom, ginger, and vanilla. Though rich in body and flavour, it does have a clean finish that makes it smoother to drink.

Goldenfield Brewery co-owner Ethan Chiti and employee Richard Suchit. Photo by Fareen Karim.

When trying out the drinks at Goldenfield, be mindful that tipping is not allowed, as employees are paid a liveable wage, says Ethan Chiti.

Goldenfield Brewery is located at 71 Sunrise Avenue.