Bend’s Crux Fermentation Project recently released a new year-round beer in its simply-named Crux IPA, billed as “an everyday India pale ale.” It’s certainly a sessionable IPA at only 5.8% alcohol by volume (though it’s not targeting the “lifestyle” niche) and interestingly, it is only available in cans with no plans for draft.

The description attached to the press announcement reads:

Consider Crux IPA your go-to for good times done right. Low on bitterness and high on drinkability, this everyday IPA boasts a deliciously dank dose of whole flower CTZ hops with a touch of Galaxy, Mosaic, and Comet for a perfectly juicy finish that’s pure, hoppy refreshment. Keep this new classic close, it’ll never let you down.

I’d scored a free can of this from the brewery, which was brought by my office (it’s a similar relationship to what I’d mentioned here in the second paragraph), so it was a chance to get a bit of a sneak peek at the beer at the time. In addition to 5.8% ABV, Crux IPA has 50 IBUs.

Appearance: Clear and bright, the color of honey, a nice gold with sparkling highlights. Creamy and fine off-white head that is smooth and fluffy.

Smell: Dank and fruity with a mix of classic American hops with a touch of allium coming from the newer varieties. Grapefruit, spicy resin, onion/garlic. Clean and crisp.

Taste: Savory hop greens with spicy hints of garlic and a mellow herbal bitterness. Grapefruit pith, a bit of bitter grapefruit juice, a toasty, biscuity malt that’s tasty and clean at the back. There some light white pepper, with hints of mint, and a bright pop of hops to round it out.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied and quite clean on the palate, a pleasantly light bitterness going into the finish with a touch of herb. I notice a bit of dryness as I sip.

Overall: A nice, clean, super drinkable IPA, somewhat light without feeling like it.

It’s a pretty nice beer, quietly sliding into that “everyday” segment without any gimmicks or crazy ingredients. It will be interesting to see how it performs over the coming year.