Goose Island Beer Co.
Chicago, IL
Available: IA, IL, KS, NY, OH
Matilda is made with a rare yeast that suggests a fruity and spicy flavor. There is complex maltiness balanced with a profuse amount of hops making it a great beer to enjoy with a plate of fresh mussels.
Alcohol (wt.): 5%
Alcohol (vol.): 7%
Color: 13 (SRM)
Bitterness: 32
Greg Hall’s front label tale makes it clear that this ale was inspired by Orval, so let’s see how it measures up. The hazy, orangey color is lighter than that of its muse, and its sweetly tart, citrusy nose slightly softer and less funky. In the body, it’s sweeter than Orval, but in a fruity way that casts this beer in a whole new light. Perfumey tangerine notes lead the body and are soon joined by a mix of bitterness and tartness in almost equal proportions, with notes of citrus peel, peppery spice and oak. The finish carries more bitterness. Orval, I enjoy with tournedos de cheval; this I’d rather with soft, stinky cheese.
Greg Hall, Brewmaster! This beer defines the values of a true master of brewing. Complex fruitiness of malt and exotic micro-orgasmic fermentation. Call it “Brett.” I'll call it a special gift from the brewer. Fruity, a bit “horsey” and a wonderful balanced acidity. As the label suggests, wonderful with shelled critters from the deep. Never mind the wine—I'll dance with Matilda.
The label tells the tale of brewers inspired by a trip to Orval, and the beer pours a hazy burnished gold. One whiff tells you that the inspiration struck deep. The nose is full of the famously funky “horse blanket” aroma given by the wild Brettanomyces yeast. Behind that are aromas of apples, hops and mint in a complex interplay. The palate sidesteps Orval’s austerity and opts for a rounder, softer style with low bitterness. A beautifully realized beer that will evolve with age. Great with funky aged hams.
Stephen Beaumont boarded his first plane at the age of 15 and hasn’t looked back since, obsessing about travel to the point that he gets nervous if he doesn’t have a ticket or two stacked on the corner of his desk. When he’s not running around in search of new taste experiences, he makes his home in Toronto, where a new cultural experience is only as far away as the next neighborhood.
Author of the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing, founder of the Great American Beer Festival and a Beer Examiner at www.examiner.com, Papazian is a leading voice in beer and brewing.
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.
