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Rustique by Motorworks Brewing is being evaluated as a Brett Beer (Category 28A) from the 2015 BJCP guidelines.
When poured into a glass it is straw colored and hazy with a foamy white head that fell within the average time.
This beer is very fruity and has notes of tropical fruit and honey with a low citrus element. A pleasant aroma indeed without being overly funky. There's a very low amount of a vanilla -- possibly derived from the oak barrels. Notes of peppery spiciness, along with esters of pears, and a low amount of orange can also be found. Pleasant alcohol adds further to its complexity. The aforementioned oak aroma increases as the beer warms in the glass, leaving no trace of the Chardonnay barrel character.
The flavor resembles the base style saison beer well, with the added character that Brettanomyces brings along. There is a grainy malt presence in the forefront led by yeast esters that are represented as ripe red berries. The finish is very dry with a long aftertaste that lingers with the fruity esters, a characteristic that the Brett can take full responsibility for. There's a spicy character here as well to add dimension, excellently balanced between the base beer and the added Brett.
Moderately light in body, with high carbonation, appropriate for this style. There are no warming alcohols given the ABV, leaving the taster with a pleasant mouthfeel on the palate.
This is an exceptional beer, and one to savor slowly. The complexity becomes more and more interesting as the first characteristics in the aroma and flavor are replaced by subtle nuances of oak and spice. This beer will pair well with similarly mouth-coating foods like salads with citrus vinaigrettes, grilled or steamed white fish with lemon or doughy gnocchi… yummy!