Eric: Crux Fermentation Project from Bend, Oregon has brewed up something cosmically captivating with this IPA. Committed to “fermentative experimentation” and sourcing unique ingredients to make interesting brews, the project was started in 2012 by Larry Sidor who previously worked as brewmaster for Deschutes Brewery and Olympia Brewing before wanting the creative freedom to do his own thing. A decade later and that fascination with fermentation process extends to beers, wines, ciders, whiskeys, and as of 2021 a line of non-alcoholic brews under the “NØMØ” branding, a nod to their signature “Gimme Mo” IPA.

Shawn: I missed out on this seasonal release, but I have had a few of Crux Fermentation’s other beverages. They’re great!

Earlier this year, Crux rebranded its full line of NØMØ near-beers to a more outdoorsy vibe with new names and new can art inspired by scenic Oregon views. The original IPA became “River Refresher,” the hazy that followed after became “Sunset Summit,” and the Hoppy Red took a winter-seasonal seat rotating around this brand new offering for the Summer, this Galaxy hops infused IPA that made it to the top of my list for 2024.

For better or worse, it’s a crowded field out there for NA IPA’s. When everything was just starting to feel a little samey to me, this came along to shake up my palette with it’s pine-heavy bitterness that wasn’t afraid to be bold, unlike some watered-down offerings available.