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Goose Island Matilda

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Goose Island's Belgian-inspired wild ale — fruity, spicy and complex with notes of apricot, banana and clove from the Belgian yeast strain. Matilda is fermented with Brettanomyces for a subtle funky depth. Named after a Goose Island bartender's golden retriever.

ABV
7%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
SRM
golden8
PaceTwo or Three
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
fruityspicyclove
fruity
spicy
clove
funky
banana
peach
Aroma
The nose is dominated by classic Belgian yeast esters—prominent banana and clove notes mingle with subtle apricot fruitiness.
also:earthy,herbal,yeasty
not found:hoppy,caramel,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Goose Island Matilda

◎ Appearance

Matilda presents a beautiful golden hue with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent white head that demonstrates proper carbonation. The beer has an inviting, bright appearance typical of well-crafted Belgian pale ales.

goldenclearwhite headwell-carbonated

◌ Aroma

The nose is dominated by classic Belgian yeast esters—prominent banana and clove notes mingle with subtle apricot fruitiness. Underlying the fruity character is a faint funky, earthy undertone from the Brettanomyces fermentation, adding complexity without overwhelming.

bananacloveapricotsubtle funk

◐ Taste

The palate opens with malty sweetness and fruity complexity, featuring the characteristic banana and citrus notes. Mid-palate reveals well-integrated spice and a balanced hoppy bite, while the Brettanomyces adds a dry, slightly tangy complexity that enhances the overall character without harshness.

malty-sweetfruity-complexspicybalanced bitterness

◑ Finish

Matilda finishes clean and crisp with moderate length, allowing the subtle funky notes to linger pleasantly without becoming astringent. The aftertaste balances residual fruitiness with a dry, sophisticated complexity.

cleancrispbalanced aftertaste
83
hopIQ score
Aroma
82
Taste
84
Appearance
85
Finish
80
Serve at 9–12°C

Serve at 9–12°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Goblet

The wide mouth and heavy base promote head formation and channel rich aromatics toward the nose. Traditional for Belgian strong ales.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Goose Island Matilda

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About Belgian Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Belgian Ale?

Belgian Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Belgian Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same fruity, spicy, clove character as Goose Island Matilda will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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