The Dark Lords and KBS’s of the world tremble in their boots at the arrival of today’s boozy, smoky, remarkably balanced challenger: Tough Love Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout. Each year when Bend, Oregon’s Crux Fermentation Project releases this 11.5% ABV seasonal favorite, a storm stirs in the craft community – last year’s vintage was rated a towering 4.31 by Tavour members, and it places in the top 100 Russian Imperial Stouts in the world on BeerAdvocate.

Brewed with black strap molasses, dark roasted malts, oak-smoked wheat, and malted rye, Tough Love bursts forward with bourbon caramel and velvety chocolate. Molasses and oaky char lend extra levels of flavor. Rye provides a slight earthy spice, while whiskey-soaked raisins and coffee notes open up to a bittersweet punch.

After Tough Love ages in Kentucky Bourbon barrels for a year, the roasty character matures and develops notes of vanilla and dried cherries alongside tobacco and woody leather. The mouthfeel is pleasantly thick and creamy, and coats the tongue with its intricate flavors.

Now on its 5th vintage, the 2017 version earns a 4.27 on Untappd. Barrel-aged fanatics go into frenzy for the sweet-savory experience of drinking Tough Love, but you certainly don’t have to be a hardcore Imperial Stout fan to enjoy its rich and complex profile – there’s really nothing tough to love about this brew.

Rated 4.31 on Tavour, 4.27 on Untappd, 4.26 on BeerAdvocate

LIMIT 6 PER CUSTOMER. Limited Supply. Requests processed in the order received.

Crux Fermentation Project – Tough Love [Banished] 2017 – $22.99 for a 750ml bottle
Style: Barrel-Aged Russian Imperial Stout, ABV: 11.5%