Beer Review – Goose Island Matilda

By Boozedancing @boozedancing

photo courtesy of Goose Island

Recently, I found myself in Kansas City for business. On the way back to my hotel room from the office, I passed the restaurant and found a little Happy Hour underway. Never one to pass up a free beer, I was faced with a choice between Michelob Ultra and Goose Island Matilda. After about a nanosecond of deliberation, I opted for the Matilda.

Here is what Goose Island has to say about their Matilda:

Wild in character, with a slightly fruity aroma and a spicy yeast flavor that is as unique as it is satisfying – Matilda is an intriguing choice for beer and wine lovers alike. Dry and quenching, it’s the perfect accompaniment at the dining table or for casually socializing at the bar.

I found the Matilda to have the following characteristics…

  • Appearance: Deep amber color with good foam and lacing.
  • Aroma: Sweet and lemony with hints of nutmeg, clove, and hops.
  • Taste: Sweet and spicy with a nice well balanced flavor and a slightly bitter finish.
  • ABV: 7%

The Goose Island Matilda was very much like a hybrid, i.e. a little like a Saison / Farmhouse Ale, and a lot like a Belgian Tripel. I don’t know whether I was just thirsty,  or whether I enjoyed a free beer more than I should, but whatever the reason, I found this to be a really good beer. I would put this beer a notch below the Captain Lawrence Xtra Gold and Aviator’s Devil’s Tramping Ground.

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