Crux Fermentation Project releases Tough Love 2020
Crux Fermentation Project’s Tough Love barrel-aged Imperial Stout is making it’s annual seasonal return this week. From Crux founder Larry Sidor and brewmaster Cam O’ Connor who both were previously responsible for creating The Abyss for Deschutes Brewery. Tough Love is a similar but more decadent take with hints of smoke and spicy rye and Kentucky bourbon.
While each years recipe for Tough Love remains the same, the barrels it’s aged in do vary from year to year. For the 2020 release, Tough Love has been aged in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels.
CRUX TOUGH LOVE
Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
11.5% ABV, 70 IBU
Tough Love is bold but nuanced, an homage of sorts to the traditional Russian Imperial Stouts and the ruling style of Catherine the Great. We construct it with dark roasted malts, malted rye, and oak-smoked wheat, and then banish it in Kentucky bourbon barrels. The aging process smooths out the edges on an otherwise bold statement, and bitterness succumbs to tender strokes of vanilla beans, hints of dried cherries, and new layers revealing themselves with each sip. (Released annually in November)
TOUGH LOVE RELEASE PARTY & VERTICAL FLIGHT
Crux will be hosting a release party for Tough Love at their Bend, OR tasting room this Thursday, November 12th. Not only will the new Tough Love 2020 be on tap and bottles for sale, but a 4-year vertical of past vintages will be flowing while the kegs last. A limited-edition Tough Love glass and a poster will be for sale if you can get your hands on them. Head Brewer, Cam O'Connor will be pouring samples from 5-6pm and Crux’s chef has created a pomegranate and vanilla, black forest bacon, and cider cheddar fondue to pair with it all.
It's almost time to celebrate the 8th release of our beloved Barrel-Aged Russian Imperial Stout! Thursday, November 12th will be your first chance to enjoy a glass of the latest 2020 vintage and take a bottle or two home. We'll also be featuring a 4-year vertical along with a special small bite to pair with it. A limited-edition Tough Love glass and a poster will be for sale, as well. Head Brewer, Cam O'Connor will be pouring samples from 5-6pm and our chef has created a pomegranate and vanilla, black forest bacon, and cider cheddar fondue to pair with it all.