Barrel Lustra
Dancing Gnome

Barrel Lustra poured a cloudy straw color topped with an ample fluffy white head that was content to linger in the wine glass. The aroma I first recognized was from the brett, lending a bit funk to vapors wafting from the glass. It was a nice compliment to the wine barrel grape mustiness that came next. Only slight bits of the grain bill remained on the nose. The taste was rich with more big wine notes up front and the brett again playing nicely with the dry grape flavors along with a bright citrus quality. There was a touch of pepper and oak from the barrel as well. The dry finish was unexpected for how rich in flavor it was. I expected it to linger a bit longer. There was no lack of carbonation and made this rather effervescent for how big of a body it had. Overall, this was an incredible way to start the new year. A highly drinkable and complex treatment of one of my favorite local pale ales. Gone were the big hoppy aromas of my beloved Lustra, but what it evolved into was beyond my expectations.