Crux Fermentation Project Tough Love is a Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout brewed in Bend, Oregon, and part of Crux's acclaimed [BANISHED] Series of annual limited barrel-aged releases. Sold at Costco in a case of 12 x 500ml bottles, it represents one of the Pacific Northwest's most anticipated winter craft beer releases.

Tough Love is built on a foundation of dark roasted malts, malted rye, oak-smoked wheat, and blackstrap molasses, then aged in Heaven Hills bourbon barrels. The barrel aging smooths the beer's bold character, allowing complex layers of vanilla bean, dried cherry, and roasted malt to emerge with each sip. Bitterness (70 IBU) is present but well-integrated, yielding to rich sweetness and warmth. The beer pours deep black with a tan head and delivers a warming, multi-layered drinking experience befitting its high-ABV strength.

First released in 2012, Tough Love has built a loyal following across the Pacific Northwest. Each vintage carries slight variations in character, making it a collectible as well as a seasonal treat. The 500ml wax-dipped bottle format is designed for sharing or cellaring.