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Description:
Inspired by great Trappist ales, our complex Belgian Style Pale Ale is fermented with the wild yeast Brettanomyces. Matilda pours a golden sunrise color with dried fruit and clove aromas, a spicy yeast flavor, and a satisfying dry finish.
According to legend, a grateful Countess Matilda founded a monastery where, over centuries, monks have been brewing ale unique in character. While in Belgium, we were inspired by the story and the monks’ beer. We returned to Chicago and brewed our homage – a Belgian Style Pale Ale named Matilda. (Description provided by company)
Brewer:
Beer Style:
ABV:
7.00% ABV
Availability Frequency:
year-round
Containers Available:
bottle
Locations Where Available:
nationwide
Store/Serve Temperature:
close to 55 degrees F
Comments
Banana beer, but good!
Pours a cloudy orange-amber, with about one finger of head. Lots of lacing left behind.
Nose is very strong in banana esters, along with a light citrus hop aromas. There's not much else going on, but this is still a very enticing aroma.
Taste is a little less focused on the esters, with the citrus and resin hop flavors coming on stronger than in the nose. Bitterness is overall fairly low, and the finish is both quick and dry - almost wine like.
A moderately light body, along with some nice carbonated crispness.
Another departure from my usual style(s) of beer, these Belgian beers are both very interesting and a lot more subtle than the typical American varieties. They may not be for you, but every beer lover should at least give them a try.