Brewery Spotlight: Crux Fermentation Project in Bend, OR
This post is sponsored by Visit Bend — your go-to resource for all things Bend, Oregon.
Welcome to our latest brewery spotlight, as we feature one of the top breweries in Bend, OR.
Introducing Crux Fermentation Project, the first brewery we visited while exploring the Bend Ale Trail. We had a blast tasting a variety of their craft brews, and we were fortunate enough to interview Beckey B., their marketing manager.
Read on to learn more about what makes Crux unique compared to the other breweries in Oregon.
About the Brewery
Work For Your Beer (WFYB): We are so excited to be chatting with you, Beckey! We know Crux opened its doors in 2012... but we want to know an interesting fact (or two) that not many folks know about the brewery.
Beckey (B): Not everyone knows that our building used to be an Aamco transmission shop. Also, FUN FACT: I didn’t realize this until recently, but the cross in our logo has four different widths that represent the four different beer ingredients. Cool, right?
WFYB: Very cool! We love a good little brewery Easter egg. What else makes your brewery unique? Why should someone stop by your taproom versus the others in your area?
B: We have so many beers on tap — 25 right now! Plus we make our own cider, wine, and whiskey. And we have a pretty great outdoor space; our views of the sunset behind the Cascades can’t be beat!
WFYB: We LOVE the variety y'all have on tap, and we totally agree, your outdoor space is pretty incredible!
Let’s Talk Beer
WFYB: Let's dive into beer! What’s the most popular beer style you sell?
B: Crux Pilz, it’s our flagship beer.
WFYB: We love a good pils! What beer are you most proud of brewing?
B: Crux Pilz (same answer as above). There’s just nowhere to hide with a pilsner. The flavors have to be consistently straightforward and clean.
WFYB: We totally agree! Now, let's talk weird beers. What's the weirdest beer you've ever brewed?
B: Smoked Grapefruit Punch (Lichtenhainer), it’s a german smoked lager, and it’s wild.
WFYB: We'd try it! Okay, okay. This is one of the "fan favorite" questions — If you had to make the *perfect* mixed six-pack, what beers would you include in it?
B: Here's our six-pack pick!
NØ MØ Hazy IPA (non-alc)
WFYB: We love that you added a NA beer in there! Looks like the perfect six-pack, indeed!
Let’s Focus on Community
WFYB: Craft breweries are staples in local communities. How do you contribute to Bend's local community?
B: We love Bend! We host non-profit fundraising events, partner with local brands, and give back to the Bend Sustainability Fund.
WFYB: How do you make sure your brewery is inclusive?
B: The pub, by design, has always been a place for the community to gather. That’s what a brewpub is supposed to be; come in from all walks of life and have a beer. We believe beer is the great equalizer, and everybody is always welcome.
WFYB: Amazing! Finally, do you offer any brewery fitness events or activities that our audience should know about?
B: We’ve done yoga on the lawn, and we have a 5K fun-run, every year on our anniversary.
WFYB: That's awesome! We would love to run a 5k with y'all!
Thank you to Beckey and Crux Fermentation Project for taking the time to share their story with us here on the Work For Your Beer blog.
If you ever find yourself in Bend, we highly recommend making a stop at Crux! You won't regret it.
Want to be considered for an upcoming feature? Email cheers@workforyourbeer.com to set up an interview!