The Play Wave Pursuit | Crux Fermentation Project
Play Wave cans with surfers in the background

The Play Wave Pursuit

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photo: john trapper | surfer: travis yamada

The pursuit of the perfect wave (or beer, for that matter) never ends.

A few years back, we partnered with our friends at Sierra Nevada, Columbia Distributing, and the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance to support a cause close to our hearts (and our brewery) here at Crux – proceeds from Paddle Trail Ale helped fund the downtown reconnection of the Deschutes River and build what is now the Bend Whitewater Park. It’s one of our prouder moments, and one we reflect on often while yearning for a flavorful pale ale along the banks of our favorite river…

Today, the spirit of Paddle Trail Ale lives on with the debut of Play Wave: a next-generation Pale Ale bursting with big flavor and complex hop character. Named for the whitewater surf feature built as part of the Bend Whitewater Park by Crux brewer and whitewater kayaker Chris Meinke, Play Wave is a refreshing ride built for days on the water. Innovative brewing techniques have allowed us to squeeze a crazy amount of juicy hop flavor and floral aroma from a power trio of Mosaic, Galaxy, and Centennial hops making this easy-drinking pale a tidal wave of citrusy goodness, without the bitter wipeout. “I mostly like to drink really good lagers all the time…” says Crux brewer Joshua Keithly “…but Play Wave is just stupid good. I could drink this every day.”

As brewers and river enthusiasts ourselves, we’re stoked on this beer and all the endless sessions to come. Throw a six-pack in the cooler and keep chasing your wave. We’ll keep chasing ours.