Crux Fermentation Project 'Crux Pilz' Pilsner Beer, Oregon

Fresh lemon, biscuit, and spicy herbs open with a clean, crisp lager profile and a subtle floral lift. Crux Fermentation Project 'Crux Pilz' Pilsner Beer, Oregon combines traditional Pilsner malt with imported Czech Saaz and locally grown Sterling hops, giving classic lager structure a distinctly Northwest accent. Its balance of softness, herbal complexity, and dry refreshment reflects Crux’s broader approach of respecting established brewing traditions while allowing regional ingredients to shape the final beer.

Product Details:

• Head Brewer: Ryan Atagi
• ABV: 5.2%
• IBU: 35
• Malt: Traditional Pilsner malts
• Hops: Czech Saaz, Oregon Sterling

Sensory Description:

Clean lager aromas lead into fresh bread and biscuit, followed by spicy herbal hop notes and a delicate touch of lemon. The palate is crisp and focused but develops a surprisingly soft texture through the mid-palate, giving the malt enough presence to balance the 35 IBU bitterness. Saaz contributes classic herbal spice while Oregon Sterling adds a regional hop dimension, carrying the beer toward a dry, refreshing finish with lingering lemon peel and subtle biscuit.

Brewer's Background:

Crux Fermentation Project was founded in Bend in 2012 by veteran brewer Larry Sidor and Paul Evers. Sidor brought decades of brewing experience to the project, including work at Olympia Brewing and as brewmaster at Deschutes Brewery, helping establish Crux as a brewery willing to move between classic lager traditions, hop-forward ales, barrel aging, and mixed fermentation. In February 2026, the Rhine family acquired Crux and incorporated the brewery into the Oregon Beverage Collective while retaining Crux as a distinct brand. Head Brewer Ryan Atagi now leads the brewing program. Crux Pilz captures the brewery’s more traditional side, pairing Czech-inspired Pilsner character with Oregon-grown hops for a clean but distinctly regional expression.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 5 to 8 degrees Celsius in a Pilsner glass or tall lager glass to emphasize its clean malt character, herbal hops, and crisp finish. Pair with bratwurst, schnitzel, fried chicken, fish and chips, grilled sausages, pretzels, fresh chèvre, or simply prepared seafood and vegetable dishes.