So, Crux Fermentation Project has had its own beer on for a little over a month now—we figured it was time to duck out on our weekly production day and throw back some pints. You know, fortify, for when we got back to the office and everyone was pissed.
And we gotta say, Crux, it was worth it. Your beers are out of the ordinary and we like that. We tried all five of the brewery's selections on draft. Here’s what we think:
• Crux “Sugar Daddy” SPA, 7.1%, 50 IBU—It’s like sweet tea meets a citrusy Pale/IPA. Perfumy, but not sickening so. Definitely something different.
• Crux “On the Fence” NW Pale Ale, 8%, 50 IBU—This beer typifies the Crux line-up with its big, round, smooth malt profile. Very light citrus notes and with a dose of skunkiness.• Crux “Outcast” IPA, 8%, 70 IBU—Didn’t love it, mostly because it’s not what we think we want in an IPA. Pretty bitter, which is a function of the heavy dose of Galaxy hops. Try it to broaden your IPA horizons.
• Crux “Off Leash” NW Session Ale, 4.5%, 45 IBU—Competition for 10 Barrel’s tasty India Session Ale, Crux’s version of the all-day, summer-sipper is heavy on the grapefruit with no hint of bitterness.
• Crux South Bavarian Hefeweissen 5%, 8 IBU—For our money, this beer is the one that was far and away better than what we expected for the style, it teetered right on the edge of a wit. Hefs aren’t our thing, but there’s something special about a beer done right. (EFM)
