Crux Half Hitch Imperial Mosaic IPA

Tasting Notes

Mosaic hops dominate the nose with a dense layer of tropical fruit — mango, papaya, and a thread of blueberry undercut by dank, resinous pine. The palate is assertively bitter but not harsh, with a malt backbone substantial enough to keep the sweetness from disappearing entirely mid-drink. Body is full without being syrupy. The finish is long and resinous, with a mild warming alcohol presence that integrates cleanly rather than intruding.

About the Brewery

Crux Fermentation Project is based in Bend, Oregon, a city that functions as a dense hub for Pacific Northwest craft brewing. Founded in 2012 by veteran brewer Larry Sidor, formerly of Deschutes, the brewery has built a reputation for technically precise, hop-forward beers alongside a broader lineup that includes lagers and experimental small-batch releases. Their facility in Bend's westside draws both locals and beer tourists.

Food Pairings

Spicy Thai noodles work well here because the hop bitterness amplifies heat while the malt sweetness gives mild relief. A fatty burger with sharp cheddar gives the resinous bitterness something substantial to cut through. Grilled pineapple or mango-based salsas echo the tropical hop character without fighting it. Strong washed-rind cheeses like Taleggio hold their own against the bold bitterness and provide a savory counterweight.

Style Guide

American Double or Imperial IPAs are essentially an amplified version of the American IPA — more hops, more malt, more alcohol, typically landing between 7.5% and 10% ABV. The style emerged in the early 2000s as American craft brewers pushed hop intensity further, producing beers where aggressive bitterness and aroma are balanced by a more substantial malt body than a standard IPA carries. What separates it from a regular IPA is sheer scale: the bitterness is more insistent, the hop aroma more concentrated, and the body fuller. It sits apart from a Barleywine by staying hop-dominant rather than malt-dominant.