Crux Fermentation Project Tough Love

**Aroma:** “Assertive bourbon and alcohol, with a light smokiness and moderate vanilla. Moderate chocolate, as well as caramel and dark candi syrup are also present, along with some burnt malt. Notes of raisin, cherry, plum, and prune.” **Flavor:** “Bold chocolate, with some roastiness from that malt that forms the scaffold. Mild bourbon flavors, with a nice blend of cherry, prune, plum, and raisin. Vanilla and umami add some complexity, along with the oak and bourbon. Some chewy qualities to the body. The finish is pleasant and not too hot, but it still has some lingering warmth.” **Overall:** “This beer came together nicely. It’s a nice blend between all the flavors throughout and is balanced without rough edges. The chocolate was the backbone and played well with the sweetness from the fruits. The pronounced alcohol burning lingers for a while with the umami notes, which makes it difficult to say whether or not to drink it at a warmer temperature.”

**Aroma:** “A beautiful blend of vanilla and roasted coconut with great chocolate, roasty undercurrent. Some sweet alcohol notes are pleasant, but foreboding. The roast sits behind the prominent barrel character with some chocolate and cherry notes.” **Flavor:** “Rich, juicy, and chewy throughout with a strong umami profile indicative of being nicely aged. Complex blend of perceived earthy, salty, soy-sauce, vanilla, and coconut components. Some low level esters reside underneath, but are well blended. Finishes relatively dry with some contribution from the tannins likely. Some chocolate, slight coffee, and dark fruits are present.” **Overall:** “This beer requires one’s place of ultimate comfort to sip on a quiet evening. It’s contemplative and enveloping, and wonderfully features smooth chocolate, vanilla, and roasted coconut with an almost salty richness. Well crafted and well presented.”

Aroma: “First impression was Christmas beer with the phenol all-stars: cinnamon, nutmeg, maybe some clove, too. Some light caramel malt, light green chile, and chocolate drives home the Mexican stout feel.” Flavor: “Rich mole notes of cinnamon, chocolate, and chile, plus a bit of roast coffee, softened by vanilla. Chile warmth snuggles in with the alcohol. Finish is fairly dry, with spicy heat and roast bitterness. Great complexity up front that leads to a fairly dry and mildly astringent finish. Sweet but nowhere near cloying.” Overall: “Very tasty combination. Great spice character with the individual additions of cinnamon, chili, and chocolate all really well-balanced. Underlying beer could benefit from a bit more sweetness to balance the spicy astringency of the barrel.”