Crux Fermentation Project Releases 2021 [BANISHED] Tough Love Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

This past weekend, Crux Fermentation Project released one of its most beloved beers, 2021 [BANISHED] Tough Love Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout. This barrel-aged delight is now available in wax-dipped 500mL bottles throughout Oregon and Washington.

It’s hard to believe, but the 2021 vintage of Tough Love marks the ninth year of this barrel-aged imperial stout. One of Larry Sidor’s highly anticipated beers each year, this bold stout is one barrel-aged beer that we look forward to each fall.

Tough Love is brewed with brewer’s licorice and blackstrap molasses before the beer’s banished to Heaven Hills bourbon barrels where we added vanilla beans and cherry bark. The flavor profile is one to reckon with as notes of chocolate, coffee, dried fruits and a tough of oak bring to light one pleasurable drinking experience. A beer that is a labor of love to create is one that many beer drinkers enjoy, but one to enjoy responsibly as it sits at 14% ABV.

And if you find yourself in Bend, Crux’s Tasting Room is currently serving a four-year Tough Love vertical as a flight. Each flight features 2018-2021 tasters of Tough Love for a limited time. It’s a perfect way to discover the nuances of this barrel-aged delight!