Ahh, poker night. An evening with just the guys, filled with beer, cards and various fried foods. Life couldn’t be better. Unless I won. Oh well, this time around I’ll just have to take the beer as my pot and run with it. The beauty of the evening, seeing as the cards didn’t exactly fall my way, was that I was able to try a few new brews. The first, Goose Island’s Matilda, I had actually sampled with a friend several months ago, but didn’t precisely remember my impressions.
Before Matilda, I would generalize my enjoyment of Belgian Strong Ales. I would even go as far as to say they were one of my favorite styles of beer. After Matilda, I have honed in a bit on that target, becoming a bit choosier, and realizing my palate’s preferences.
It pours a typical beautiful opaque copper, which may be what makes some of the beers in this category just so appealing. The pour makes it seem like liquid gold, something you’d want to just dive in to. I can only describe the look as chewy and palpable, textured like something you can feel, not just drink. A very slight head trailed surprisingly, coating the glass in a delicate off-white lace. The Goose Island brewer must have had a woman he loved named Matilda, because boy is she sweet! The swimming carbonation breaks the surface of the head just a bit, but is deceiving because this thing is syrupy sweet and heavy. It may have been simply because it was my second, but this brew (at just 7%abv) seemed to go straight to my head. So much for that next hand of poker!
ABV: 7.0%
Grade: B
I don’t know if syrupy is the right word. Seems a bit strong of a descriptor for a beer.
I would submit that there are many beers that qualify as syrupy … in my mind it means a beer that finishes coated to your mouth & throat. Belgian Strong Dark Ales, Porters, Winter Warmers, Quads, even some really strong IPAs bear this characteristic I think.
I want to try a maple syrup beer. I think it would be awesome.
Not only did this beast coat, it was sugary as well. Give it a shot and let me know, but syrupy was the best I could come up with.
Have you had a chance to try the Sophia and Fleur versions of this yet? Sophia is amazing.
Josh, I had Fleur just a few weeks ago, but have yet to sample Sofie. Upon your high recommendation, I will definitely pick one up soon. Thanks!