Matilda - Goose Island Beer Co.

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

EdwardLongshanks

3.68/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

The fruit sweetness and the relatively unwieldy mouth feel threw me off at first and it seemed cloying. But I will admit that this beer is a fine one having delineated its various components. The strong pear notes up front are to be appreciated and the esthery gummy sweetness is a purposeful counterpoint to its inherent astringency. Ultimately, this beer finished smooth after a thoughtful, diverse rollercoaster of Belgian flavors and textures. Bet it's better on tap, though. Maybe even spectacular.

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2012 05:53:42 | More by EdwardLongshanks

farrago

New Jersey

4.3/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Hyper fizzy head on about a finger, off-white with an orange tint, all tiny bubbles which boil off at a sprint, retains a decent surface covering, the lacing at first leaves wide splotches but they don’t really stick much. Gauzy orange rust color, closer to yellow than to brown or red,strong whirlwind of loose bubbles zip about within, holds the light well within it, stays bright. This is a yeast dominated nose with banana, bubblegum, clove and sweet unbaked pie dough, also has a large black pepper component, truly not that funky, the peach, pear, fig scents clean and fresh, touch of coal tar or black tea leaf, ends with spiced orange peel notes. Full-bodied, at once bottom heavy and soaking into the palate while the churning carbonation lifts it into a decent perfume. Has a salty, saline quality to go with the pepper and clove, here more like a mix of fennel and Darjeeling tea. The orange, lemon, grapefruit citrus plays a major role, more sweet than sour. Supplements the apricot, pear, fit, banana fruit and sweetens further. The dough has a mildly more baked quality, not raw dough. Creamy texture extends finish and keeps it clinging to the mouth pores. Does a very admirable job of providing subtle complexity which would not turn off the neophyte while impressing the experienced.

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2012 00:28:45 | More by farrago

Darkmagus82

Montana

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

Poured from bottle into tulip glass

Appearance - Pours a hazy orange-copper color with a nice two finger white head that receded quite rapidly. Once the head has faded, a moderate level of lacing is left on the sides of the glass.

Smell – The aroma is heaviest of lighter fruit aromas of pear, banana, apple and peach. Mixed with these fruit aromas are notes of a yeasty smell as well as some spice aromas of clove and nutmeg. Rounding out all these are some aromas of a bready nature, which when combined with the rest create a very nice aroma overall.

Taste – The taste begins with many of the fruit flavors that were also present in the nose. The apples, pear and peach which start are also accompanied initially by a biscuity flavor. Soon as the flavor advances however the yeast and spice show up bringing a yeast cake, banana, and classic yeast spice profile (clove and nutmeg) flavor to the tongue. In the end flavors of a more herbal and grapefruit citrus nature come to the tongue, leaving a sour and sweet (emphasis on the sweet) flavor to linger on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – The body of the beer was on the slightly lighter side with the carbonation level being rather average. Both were quite fitting for the fruit flavors of the beer as well as the style.

Overall – A nice fresh tasting Belgian strong pale. While not super “strong” it is smooth and flavorful. A good drinker and one to try if you get a chance.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2012 00:38:38 | More by Darkmagus82

TheRealBigC

Nevada

3.95/5  rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a pretty clean, deep orange. Decent head, bubbly. Smell is a little yeasty and sort of fruity. Taste is remarkably clean - a little apple and a little citrus, but it works. Vague hop bitterness to keep the balance. Smooth, oily feel makes it all the more easy to drink. It's not a beer that will blow your mind, but it's remarkably drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2012 04:05:45 | More by TheRealBigC

JWU

Pennsylvania

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

12oz. bottle poured into a snifter

A- hazy orange/amber with a thick ivory head. Nice lacing.

S- Big notes of clove, honey, and belgian yeasty funk.

T- Clove, honey, lemon tartness. A bit of yeasty funk, but not overboard.

M- A crisp medium carbonation is very tight on the palette. Slick, and pleasantly dry on the finish.

O- Scratches the belgian itch, and brewed here in the good ol' USA. AB-Inbev owned or not, good stuff.

Serving type: bottle

09-17-2012 00:29:48 | More by JWU

mkh895

Arizona

4.25/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours very nice with a desert orange color, the smell reminds me of apples and fruit that are almost over ripe. The taste is smooth and has a apple and spice taste that is a little funky but enjoyable. As the beer warms slightly in the glass the aroma changes to more of a earthy note. It is a drinkable beer not too overpowering either way.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2012 01:01:46 | More by mkh895