My first Beer Review

To preface my first review, I would just like to note that this isn't going to be pretentious or yuppy. It will be straightforward and hopefully relatable to everyone and not just those special beer aficionados who love to cite a beer's "hint of pecans, coffee, and lavender" etc. They can be awful. I'll touch on the same elements, but it will be more manly. Well, more stylish anyways.

Additionally, I will rate all beers out of 5-Stars. That's it. Enjoy.

GOOSE ISLAND's Belgian style "Matilda" 2009 4-stars: I'm a tough critic, but it's that good.

GLASS: This beer shouldn't be drank from the bottle, or from a pint glass. It's expensive (4-pack is $9.99), so drink it right. It should be in a stout glass with a big opening. A tulip glass preferably, but any kind of snifter that allows the beer to open up. I know the pint glass is the ole standby, but if your going to do that don't buy a Belgian Ale.

TEXTURE and ALCOHOL: True to the style, Matilda has a wonderful texture. The reintroduction of yeast into the bottle makes the bubbles stick to the side of the glass like a rich champagne. Going down, the beer has a light feel, but the 7% alcohol is noticeable post-drink. It's delicious.

VIRGINS: For Belgian Ale virgins Matilda is a great first. It's modern, American, tasty, and it doesn't have the scary sediment that some of the native Belgians do. It will get it eventually, as the beer can age in the bottle for up to 5-years. BUT, trying it now would be an easy transition for any beer lover yet to try the banging Belgian style ale.

WHERE CAN I BUY THIS?

Most grocery stores don't sell many Belgian Ales, a travesty, I know. Specialty liquor/beer stores will have it if they are any good (Pshaw, maybe I am a snob when it comes to beer and what stores should offer, but damn it, this is the United States. I'm not patient and I never will be). I purchased mine in Iowa City at John's Grocery (a cramped corner store with a world renowned beer room: I highly recommend it for local shopping and website orders)

Also, the package isn't the usual Goose Island Honker in a different color. It's identical to the bottle pictured above. I couldn't find it and had to ask for help, sadly it was right in front of me. What can I say, I'm quick.