Crux has earned a reputation for extraordinary beer. “Off Leash” is a prime example. Labeled a Northwest Session Ale, it departs from any defined beer style. Session beers are not bound by recipe or rigid tradition. It usually only means a beer that has less than 5% ABV and is refreshing. “Off Leash” is full of pleasant contrasts with low alcohol (4.5% ABV), but also strong aromatics, big flavor but a short, crisp finish.
The aroma is fruit forward primarily with citrus, but also subtle pear in the background. “Off Leash” is a great example of why “hoppy” is a clumsy way to describe any beer. Bitter, piney hops—the kind IPA haters recoil from—do not show up in this beer. Featured fruity and floral hops result in a brew that smells pretty and feminine.
Like all Crux offerings, “Off Leash” is expensive, retailing around five-dollars per 500ml. Despite the steep price, this beer delivers. It is an excellent beer for midday refreshment paired with a cold sandwich or green salad, a refreshing choice for craft beer lovers who won’t settle for boring beer, no matter the cost.
This article appears in Mar 20-26, 2014.
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