Beer Tasting Notes: Matilda 2010 (Belgian Style Ale)

Goose Island Beer Co. 1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612-2512 (312) 226-1119 ‎

Preface: Let me take the liberty of reminding you that these beers were sent to me gratis.

Less than a month after Goose Island Beer Company was acquired by InBev-AB their public-relations folks sent out their selection of Belgian style ales brewed late last year. All four beers have been tagged with vaguely French names. My request to interview the brewmaster who developed this beer was not realized due to the fact that he was no longer with the company.

Previously we sampled Pere Jacques, and so it’s only fitting that we move over to his sister Matilda. She was kept refrigerated from the time she arrived, hand-delivered, from the public relations agency in New York City.

As you can see from illustration it was poured into a wine glass as suggested on the back label. A notation on the back label also indicates that this brew was bottled on December 21, 2010, that the brew in the bottle is 7% alcohol by volume and that it “Develops in the bottle for up to five years.”

I opened and poured this beer at a temperature slightly below ideal serving temperature assuming, of course, this is the way it will be served most of the time in restaurants, pubs bars and taverns. And so, on to the tasting notes…

Appearance: This is a brilliant gold colored brew with a touch of red bronze. The carbonation is lively and formed a well-knit pure white head of very small bubbles. Because of the low-temperature at serving time it did not develop an optimum height.

Aroma: The first impression is a very sweet candy apple aroma. The second impression brought out sweet greenleaf aromas and the third nosedive revealed what seemed to be a slightly peppermint scent.

Flavor: After the cool refreshing impression of the first sip the initial flavor impressions are almost wine-like. There is definitely a warm alcoholic feel to the mouth. The second sip brought additional greenleaf flavor sensations followed quickly by a candy sweetness that did not linger long. The third swig introduced spiciness and additional herbal flavors joined again by a sweet candy flavor and warmth on the swallow.

Mouth feel: The initial mouth feel with this beer is not terribly heavy.

Finish: The finish is surprisingly dry for relatively high alcohol beer designed to be kept more than a year.

Comments: It is most helpful that the label says “Belgian style ale” because it gives the consumer the suggestion that there will either be a high alcohol beverage or a brew that pays homage to a rustic style of beer.

I found it to be very polished, and got the impression from the label that it was fashioned to compete against wine at the table rather than other beers. The less than aggressive flavor profile also suggests that it might find itself replacing a Chardonnay. The presentation suggests marketing to upscale restaurants and consumers interested in beers with a fairly hefty alcohol content but not packaged in the larger 250 mL bottles.

Despite the high alcohol content I can imagine this beer being served alongside grilled firm-fleshed fish. Actually, I it would most likely get along quite well with a perfectly done planked salmon, grilled asparagus, and roasted Yukon Gold fingerling potatoes.

The Brewery: Goose Island Beer Co.

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