diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
index 4612727920..400b381b24 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -70,7 +70,11 @@ jobs:
         # The deterministic in-repo floor is @objectstack/downstream-contract;
         # this is the live ceiling.
         env:
-          HOTCRM_REF: v1.2.0
+          # v1.2.1: hotcrm dropped the ObjectSchema `detail` block removed by
+          # ADR-0085 (hotcrm#423) — the intended break, explicitly digested
+          # downstream. Bump this ref whenever a deliberate spec surface
+          # removal ships a matching hotcrm release.
+          HOTCRM_REF: v1.2.1
         run: bash scripts/downstream-smoke.sh
 
       - name: Create Release Pull Request or Publish to npm