Tough Love 2020, for all my purposes, is Perfect. It leaves NOTHING to be desired. It’s malty, rich, deep, complex, chewy, BALANCED, food-friendly, complete, and immensely thoughtful; one of the brainiest jobs EVER of crafting a great beer.
Crux Fermentation Project is one of the five most significant new breweries to open in the US in the past ten years. Period.
These two ales are all the evidence that any sensible person needs to conclude that Crux Fermentation Project is well and truly into its maturity as what they gave every indication of being from their outset: one of America’s great breweries.
Crux Gypsy Coolship – the idea and this beer – is a blast of fresh air, fresh inspiration, and fresh flavors that blows the cobwebs off a crowded beer culture.
As with everything else from Crux, Job One is drinkability and in that both Lawn Party and Cruising Altitude prove out among the best beers from the Northwest, in 2019.
No matter where you are on the craft beer spectrum, Gated Community is virtually guaranteed to become one of the go-to ales of your summer 2019.
Crux Fermentation Project is one of the three to five best breweries in the United States and they haven’t yet even hit their stride.
This is the defining classic Northwest Pale Ale and one that is so brilliantly approachable and drinkable that even your Mass-Produced-Pilsner-Addicted pals will find nothing to bitch about. And a LOT to love.
