Matilda - Goose Island Beer Co.

1Nrwyscotch

Wisconsin

4.08/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle poured into a tulip.

A. Its orange in appearance with an off white head that disappears quite quickly.

S. It smells like a Belgian with some Belgian malt and then some lighter fruitand then finishing with a touch of alcohol.

T. It has some earthy notes on first sip with just a touch of bitterness. Not as fruity as the smell but still quite nice.

M. It has a light mothfeel with just a little carbonation.

O. Its pretty tasty and true to the style. The bottle was bottled on 3/12/12 and states it can be cellared for up to five years so i'm interested to see how this matures.

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2012 00:13:54 | More by 1Nrwyscotch

mscudder

Georgia

3.98/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served into a snifter.

A - A cloudy caramel orange hue with a nice sized pale head. Retention is great with some quality lacing.

S - Great vibrant nose! Banana, apricot, pear, citrus and clove.

T - Starts with some wet fruit and turns into a biscuit-infused funk near the end. The brew starts almost like a La Fin Du Monde (which is a fantastic thing!) but ends in a rather disappointing light bitterness. Touch of spice in the aftertaste.

M - Medium, slightly creamy, body with above average carbonation.

O - This is a pretty good beer. I enjoyed it but it could use some refinement to keep the wet richness persisting throughout the entire progression.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2012 04:12:28 | More by mscudder

JamesMN

Minnesota

3.78/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Hazy caramel/orange hue with no head.

Aroma: A little vinegar like a sour or something. Some sweet malt. Not much there.

Taste: Interesting. Lots of levels of flavor. At first I do get just a hint of tartness on the palate and then some pear and dates reminiscent of a trippel. Nice warming finish but not alcohol taste. Some sweetness in the aftertaste.

Mouthfeel: Carbonation like a soda and a wet feel. Above average drinkability and a slightly below medium body.

Final Thoughts: A good depth of flavor for such a light body. Would I drink it again? Perhaps.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2012 01:07:54 | More by JamesMN

thatruth

Washington

4.63/5  rDev +14.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: pours a nuclear gold color into a beautiful orange-lit amber in the glass. off-white, almost beige middle finger head, proper grasping lacing, both which stick around a while. body just hazy and bubbly enough.

S: extremely vibrant. like a warm summer's day at the lake. peaches, apricot, citrus hops, hint of coriander.

T: So far I cannot wait to taste this beer. If the first two categories are any indication, I'm in for a treat. Spicy and aromatic approach to a quick, dry finish.

M: Greets and bids adieu to the palette in the most conservative and pleasant of ways. A real pleasure to drink. Bready afters.

O: A truly great find. Nothing wrong I can see or am able to complain about in this brew, and what's more I truly enjoyed it. 3.69 before tax is a little high for a 12 oz, but with quality like this it truly is worth every penny. Highly suggested for a wedding or important get together. Beautiful styling on the bottle, beautiful brew in the glass. Honestly just became one of if not my favorite brews.

*Bottled on: "03/01/12"

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2012 21:52:34 | More by thatruth

heybrewtiful

2.53/5  rDev -37.2%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Picked this up in a growler. What a funky, fetid beer. Like moldy lemon peel, pine trees, and wet cork. The smell of wet socks asserted itself right away and wouldn't let go. The foamy head was generous but dissipated quickly. A orangey golden color, and mild malty aftertaste. Would not choose this one again.

Serving type: growler

12-03-2012 21:33:53 | More by heybrewtiful

TheSixthRing

California

4.2/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance - Pours a hazy golden orange with a white, 2 finger head. Average retention. Resulting lace is spotty.

Smell - Sour zing aroma, mostly. Notes of pineapple, pear, orange and banana. In fact, it literally smells like the Dole Pine-Orange Banana canned juice blend.

Taste - Starts with an acrid, fruity sharpness; pineapple and orange juice. Mid-taste a bit of funky earth, green banana and clove spice become prominent. Finishes mildly sour, with a faint trace of honey character.

Mouthfeel - Medium bodied, with lively carbonation. Tingles the tongue. Goes down with great smoothness.

Overall - Simply a fantastic belgian. Let us hope AB-InBev does nothing to change the way this beer is made, lest they do the world of craft brewing a great disservice.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2012 02:23:54 | More by TheSixthRing

spoony

Colorado

3.83/5  rDev -5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

From a 12 oz bottle (dated July 26, 2012) into a tulip.

A-The brew was mostly clear and orange/amber in color. I got less than one finger of dirty-white head. The head didn't stick around for very long.

S-The smell was quite funky with a pretty big whiff of white vinegar up front and some wet earth, hay, and barnyard. There was a little hit of tart lemon and spiced orange, too, but these were pretty well buried in the funk.

T-The taste does not track the smell very closely. At first, I got a pilsner-like biscuity malt character. Then the funk kicks in and you get that barnyard and wet earth funkiness that is so prominent on the nose. Just a little bit of spiced fruit.

M-The brew is medium to lighter-bodied with very little carbonation, but despite the lighter feel and low carbonation level, I found it quite filling.

O-I had a hard time figuring this brew out. The funk nearly overwhelmed me on the nose (in a bad way) and I also thought the feel was a little weird. Nevertheless, the taste was decently complex and despite its shortcomings, I liked this beer. I am especially curious to see how it holds up with some time in the cellar since it says you can age for up to five years.

Serving type: bottle

11-30-2012 01:42:31 | More by spoony

ChainGangGuy

Georgia

3.93/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 ounce bottle - $3.49 at Total Wine & More in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Bottled On: 08/17/12.

Appearance: Pours a clear, darkened gold body with a medium-small, white head.

Smell: Moderate maltiness with a very light toastiness and thin caramel edge. Vibrant melange of fruitiness, particularly as it warms, as with the taste, sometimes it's a note of pear, apple, sultana, citrus, even kiwi.

Taste: Sweet, sugary barley with a touch of treacle. Hint of tropical fruitiness (just a hint, mind you), but also a little golden raisin and apple. Lightly spicy yeastwise, leafy, maybe even a trace of gum in there. Lightly bitter. Some warmth from the alcohol. Sweetish, soft finish with a bit of spice lingering into the aftertaste.

Mouthfeel: Medium-plus body. Medium-plus carbonation.

Overall: Matilda is a fairly enjoyable, fruity Belgian-esque ale.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2012 23:05:55 | More by ChainGangGuy

beerthulhu

New Jersey

3.9/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottled 4/4/12. Consumed 11/21/12.

A: Coppery rustic orange is dense in clarity with a porous rocky light tan head. Sturdy on the hold the head produced a generous shellacking for lacing with a fair amount of visible effervesce.

S: Musky nose of grapefruit and bread with damp oranges.

T: Spicy oranges, bread, grapefruit with a spicy bite of citrus hops. Underlying toasty grain, musky barnyard yeastiness, grainy pilsner grain base with a touch of wet hay and lemon.

M: Some carbonation edge in the begining, light to medium body, light creamy/syrupy texture with a musky fade off the tongue.

O: Overall good belgian yeastiness, musky, damp and well balanced, though i prefered sofia a bit more.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2012 01:26:04 | More by beerthulhu

stxp

New York

3.73/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

appearance: hazy gold, solid carbonation, small to no head, tiny bubble lacing, slightly low-filled bottle

smell: cinnamon, fresh, slightly floral, slight sour belgian, metallic

taste: a bit bland right up front,lemon, a bit citrusy for a belgian, finishes with strong alcohol, long warming linger

mouthfeel: super thick, very foamy, hugely filling, great finish and slow linger

overall: not overyly aromatic, maybe at warmer temps though, subtle but strong belgian feel, thick and filling, great beer

Serving type: bottle

11-20-2012 00:56:59 | More by stxp

pmsawyer

Pennsylvania

4.73/5  rDev +17.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance - Hazy pale dull orange. Good initial head. Fades to ring around edge with good lacing.

Smell - Herbs, hop, fruity, slight medicinal and cloves.

Taste - Great flavor. Good bitterness, some pineapple like fruit. Alcohol warmth.

Texture - Crisp smooth with a medium body.

Drink ability - Outstanding

Serving type: bottle

11-19-2012 01:49:25 | More by pmsawyer

Kromes

Georgia

4.08/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

bottled 2012

A clear golden color with a thin soapy head.

Cherry, Belgian yeast funk, wet leaves aroma.

The nose carries right into the flavor almost seamlessly. Nice Belgian funk up front with a slight clove and coriander flavor that quickly fades and leaves a slight cherry and toasted malt flavor with a touch of grassy hop.

Medium body with low carbonation. Finishes dry.

Very nice flavors in the beer and quality all around. One of the better Domestic Belgian Pale Ales that I've had.

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2012 20:32:12 | More by Kromes

BlurryVisi0n

New York

3.58/5  rDev -11.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Vintage bottle dated 04/08/2011 poured on 11/18/2012 unto flute glass.

Appearance: A semi hazy goldish amber with heavy small bubbles on the body. Comes with an average but because of the body still looks good. White head maybe 1/3" if that settles quick before a sip.

Smell: has a hard banana skin type of smell that comes off raw. It is a strong scent which is awesome but then again is it something you really want to keep sniffing.

Taste: Little all over the place. It is a slight sweet but then again it is also sour. It feels almost like rye beer or maybe I should say rye bread. It comes off with this heavy yeast taste that will appeal to some but i think most people will feel a little conflicted.

Mouth: Though a little dry after a sip it does appeal to you. Hard fruit after feel that makes you want it even more. But a sour one not lemony but makes you cringe just a little.

Overall: A good beer but not the best you will see out there. You take in mind when reading what i wrote, the brew I am drinking is a little over a year old and not sure if its is one of those BPAs that is meant to be "aged". Would I buy it again, probably yes but then again I didn't get it for that much either. Salud!

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2012 06:45:06 | More by BlurryVisi0n

AmitC

Indiana

4.28/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance : Poured the 2012 bottled on 1st Aug 2012 into a snifter.

Pours with a good frothy white head of roughly about one and one-half finger thickness. The head soon disappears into a thin layer. Excellent lacing that stays for a long time. Amber color. Hazy appearance. Suspended yeast is very clearly seen. Very few bubbles rising occasionally.

Aroma : Fruity notes, with some spicy and clove like components to it. Good strength. slight malt aroma with total lack of hops. Yeast is felt in the nose as well.

Taste: Huge on fruity taste as well. Dry and low on sweetness, that suggest a balanced finish. Hops should be there just to counter malt character. I don't know why its smell and taste kept reminding me of hefeweiss. Complex as hell. Not discernible for a novice like me.

Mouth feel : Absolutely low on carbonation. Very smooth. Medium bodied feel. Dry finish. Good easy drinkability. Decent warmth and no astringency whatsoever.

Had a vertical tasting of 2010 (Bomber) and 2012 (12oz) - Fresher version is much more fruity and complex. Older version is more malty and boozy kind of. Strength of aroma is stronger in the fresher version as well.

Style Rate : 4.25
Personally :4 (mainly for the ease of drinking)

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2012 02:54:10 | More by AmitC

Drunkelstiltskin

2.8/5  rDev -30.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Really wasn't impressed by this highly rated beer. Expected more considering the price of the four pack. Drank it in a champagne glass like the bottle states, but that didn't really help its cause. Dark red to light brown color, and very clear. Next to no head at all. The after taste was distinct, but very unpleasant.

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2012 01:04:45 | More by Drunkelstiltskin

tone77

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a brown 12 oz. bottle. Has a cloudy caramel color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is bursting with fruits, yeast. Taste is good, fruity, malts, yeast, very rich. Feels full bodied in the moth and overall is a top quality beer worth seeking out.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2012 23:41:52 | More by tone77

One2Remeber

Florida

4.28/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at Goose Island.

A: Bright amber body with a faint yellow hue. Thin lacing of white head. Crystal clear.

S: Bready malts make me smile as a hint of funk sweeps the aroma away.

T/M: Fruity as could be for a non-fruit beer. Hint of soapy Belgian yeast. As balanced as they come. Biscuity, baked good notes from malts, subtle hops and yeast are pronounced making it very enjoyable. Drinkability of a pale ale with complex sipping flavors of a higher alcohol beverage. Hint of a bubbly wine characteristic with a soft sherry characteristic.

O: First beer from Goose Island and extremely satisfied. Perfect beer for the cooler months to help warm up while sipping.

Serving type: on-tap

11-08-2012 21:48:27 | More by One2Remeber

micromaniac129

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Golden sunshine color with a tall white head and gentile carbonation.
Aroma are pear and apple fruits malty yeast and barn floor.
Taste is that of beligum yeast and malts but is also funky and skunky. Green apples and pears.

Sour aftertaste. Not won of my favorites

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2012 14:33:12 | More by micromaniac129

BrownAleMale

Wisconsin

4/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap poured into a Goose Island chalice glass.

Appearance- Golden in color with some minimal off white head.

Smell- Lots of bready goodness with some different malt varieties.

Taste- Follows the nose to a t. Super rich and malty.

Mouthfeel- Definitly on the heavier side. Like eating ri h buttery bread.

Overall- Very excellently malted belgian. A little on the heavy side compared to other Belgians.

Serving type: on-tap

11-03-2012 23:44:37 | More by BrownAleMale

bmelanco

4.8/5  rDev +19.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Super nice. This is the smoothest Belgian I have ever tasted. Nice orange color. not as strong as many belgians, but that may be agood thing for this beer. Granted, Belgian isn't my favorite style, but I do appreciate 90% of them. THis beer had a very nice floral smell and taste with a great sweetness balance. Not sure what the matilda name is about. Matilda reminds me of a bruiser; theis beer is a delicate flower.

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2012 00:31:43 | More by bmelanco

Willytee3

New York

4.45/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22 oz bottle into tulip glass.

Pours a golden orange with 1 finger cream head. Recedes to a thin ring round the glass with partial film.

Smells of Brett and citrus. Hops with bready undertones, nice fruity notes as well.

Tastes of brett with a slight funk. OK mouthfeeel, not as creamy or foamy as would be expected, a touch thin. Bread crust follows with short bitter and touch of pine on finish. Very little hop charactoer comes thru. Good example of brett flavor, out going over the top. Clean and crisp with golden rod, some green grass flavors appear as it warms.

A quality introduction to the style!

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2012 05:29:49 | More by Willytee3

tviz33

New York

4.2/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22 oz bottle served in a Bandwagon Brewpub pint glass

A- Pours a super tall, rocky, off-white head with a good amount of sticky lacing. The color is a light copper with a semi-transparent body.

S- An unexpected amount of sweet fruit is picked up on the nose. A pleasant surprise to say the least. A very small amount of hops is noticeable.

T- Apple flavors, maybe some pear, and a bunch of spice. More dark fruits than the smell indicated as well. Not much in the way of hops and bitterness here. The taste is complex and enjoyable, and I just can't put my finger on it.

M- Mouthfeel is medium with not a great deal of carbonation. Goes down easy without any trace of alcohol.

O- This beer is definately worth a try if you're looking for something out of the ordinary. I hesitate to call it great, but I sure wouldn't mind trying again.

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2012 22:59:53 | More by tviz33

cpetrone84

Pennsylvania

3.78/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

pour is somewhat transparent copper with a light tan head and some larger bubbles. Nose has a strong malt base, lightly toasted nut and crystal malt, with golden fruits, pear and peaches, behind. Taste is the same with a bit of candied fruit, not sugary, some peppery spice in the finish on a lighter body and crisp finish with moderate carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

10-09-2012 17:49:20 | More by cpetrone84

ACook

4.05/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Quality spice balanced with fruity (apple/pineapple) malt. Definite "funk" from yeast but very smooth and flavorful as it finishes. Very drinkable, especially considering its 7% punch. I would get it again. Tasted from bottle. Remarkably smooth as I worked through the bottle and the temperature was not what it was fresh out of the refrigerator.

Serving type: bottle

10-09-2012 01:51:56 | More by ACook

OneDropSoup

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this at House of 1000 Beers in New Kensington, PA.

Poured into a stemmed tulip: Amber body with rusty orange highlights & half-a-finger of head that dissipates quickly.

A lot of pineapple in the smell, a little honey, some bread crust, apple.

Taste is cidery, with pineapple, honey, a little booze for balance, ends dry. A little more berry flavors open up (strawberry, blueberry).

Medium-bodied, starts sweet but turns dry, nicely effervescent.

Nice overall. Was maybe expecting more brett character, but there was a good fruit profile that was kind of surprising.

Serving type: on-tap

10-07-2012 12:02:09 | More by OneDropSoup