Matilda

Brewer: Goose Island Beer Company, Chicago, Illinois
Alcohol Content: 7%

Official Description from Brewer:
"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."

Wilk's Take:
I've been away from the game for a while and I forgot how to take a decent picture of a poured beer.  Shame on me for not adjusting the lighting to capture the true essence of Matilda in all her glory.  The fact is we had just finished a nice meal and I was pouring a little dessert beer for my brother and me, hence the two for one above, that I just decided on a whim to fly back to my creation and revive it.

Matilda is a wonderful beer.  After the cap comes off the bottle and the beer goes in the glass you can smell a beer that reminds you of Blue Moon.  Matilda is a Belgian Style Pale Ale so this scent is to be expected.  The color on the other hand was a little surprising.  Blue Moon is truly pale yellow and so cloudy you couldn't see your fingers on the other side of the glass.  Matilda is deep and rich and looks like a drop of red food coloring was let in to emanate throughout the bottle to give Matilda character.

The taste is definitely spicy.  Not overwhelming, but the coriander is evident from first sip and resonates throughout the glass.  Matilda goes down smoothly and the brew can disappear as soon as it is poured.  "Dry and quenching"?  Maybe, but I don't really see it.  As you move further down the glass there is a metallic after taste, almost as if you just put a penny in your mouth for five seconds.  It disappears and doesn't make the beer unappealing, but it can be a little off putting.

Realistically, Matilda is a Blue Moon that tastes better.  No need for the orange or lemon slice here as Matilda stands on its own.  Now, I can neither confirm nor deny the rumor that Matilda is going the way of the dodo.  Since ImBev took over Goose Island there is some suspicion that the whole of Goose's vintage ales are going to leave us.  Let's hope not for the craft beer sake.  Just because a brewery is big doesn't mean the beer has to suffer.

Suggestion: Find Matilda and drink it up.  It's a great summer time brew and can easily be enjoyed in its Belgian style glory.

Value:  I bought a four pack for $12.  I certainly feel it was worth it, especially when you enjoy it in good company.  If you want to splurge on beer, this is a good one to do it.

Michelle Factor: No Michelle factor to speak of here.  Her and the sister-in-law were gabbing so the beer melted in the background.  More for me I suppose.