Goose Island Matilda
Beer No: 45/1001
Page No: 427
Category: Blond
I opened the beer earlier today, not really sure what to expect. It says it's a Belgian Style Ale on the label, but who really knows what that means these days. Luckily 1001 Beers gives us a little more information - "it was inspired by a trip to Orval...we didn't want to copy Orval, we were looking for a different beer, something a little richer, with more caramel malt, one that would be a really good food beer." And I think they succeeded. Matilda is pretty full of malts, but the hop flavors balance nicely. Likewise, it was a very good beer to pair with my Spotted Pig Burger.
Based on a burger from the restaurant, The Spotted Pig, the website A Hamburger Today deconstructed the burger so those of us who can't make it to New York can try the burger that so many rave about. I made the burger above from scratch with 1/3 spare rib, 1/3 chuck, and 1/3 brisket. I ground them all up, threw them on the grill as instructed, and added a good amount of $30/lb. Roquefort from Whole Foods with the butter lettuce. Note: the butter lettuce is not in the recipe, but adds a nice crunch to the already crunchy toasted bun which I also made from scratch using the recipe.
I cooked these up for Cinco de Mayo originally, but had a few patties left over that I grilled up today and paired with the Matilda. These extra-savory burgers pack a juiciness that is wonderful and the perfect mix of fat to meat. Today, instead of the Roquefort, I utilized some Gruyere that is a bit more mellow than the Roquefort, but also paired very well with this burger. Unfortunately, I was out of buns, but a nice cracked wheat bun went nicely with everything else on the plate. The key to this burger is no condiments. It stands on its own and doesn't need any extra sweets, spices, or pickles. If you have the means to grind your own meat, the Spotted Pig burger is something you should at least try once. I'm certain you won't be disappointed. Those that sampled it on Cinco de Mayo were very impressed with it.
My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:
Goose Island Matilda from Goose Island Beer Company
Aroma: 7/10
Appearance: 3/5
Taste: 6/10
Palate: 3/5
Overall: 14/20
Rating: 3.3 / 5.0
Had from 12oz. bottle from Hi Time Wines. Pours golden with very slight head that dissipates quickly. Lacing is minimal. Aroma of sugar, candi, malt, and touch of hops. Taste is similar with lots of malts, sugars, a hint of spice, and hint of hop citrus. Finishes smooth, pairs nicely with umami. Good, not great.
