Beer Review – Toppling Goliath Pseudo Sue Pale Ale

Brewery: Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
Style: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.8%
IBU: ~45
Availability: Year-round

Toppling Goliath Brewing, based in Decorah, Iowa, has built a reputation for crafting bold and flavorful beers, particularly in the realm of hoppy ales and stouts. One of their most well known offerings, Pseudo Sue Pale Ale, has become a standout in the world of single hop pale ales. Brewed with Citra hops, this beer showcases a combination of aromatic intensity and balanced drinkability that has made it very popular.

Appearance – 4.5/5
Pseudo Sue pours a hazy, golden-orange hue with a frothy white head that lingers nicely. The unfiltered nature gives it a soft, glowing opacity, and the carbonation is visible and lively, reinforcing the freshness.

Aroma – 4.8/5
The nose is immediately hit with a tropical fruit explosion, thanks to the generous use of Citra hops. Expect bright notes of mango, pineapple, grapefruit, and passion fruit, accompanied by hints of citrus zest and floral undertones. A mild, slightly sweet malt backbone peeks through, but this beer is undoubtedly hop-driven.

Taste – 4.7/5
Pseudo Sue delivers a juicy, fruit-forward hop profile that mirrors the aroma. The first sip brings waves of grapefruit, tangerine, and pineapple, followed by subtle grassy and floral notes. The malt bill provides a light bready sweetness, which helps balance the assertive citrus character without overshadowing the hops. Bitterness is present but well controlled, making it less aggressive than an IPA, yet still satisfying for hop lovers.

Mouthfeel – 4.5/5
This beer has a smooth, medium-light body with a slightly creamy mouthfeel. The moderate carbonation enhances drinkability, while the finish is crisp and slightly dry. Unlike some hazy pale ales that can lean overly thick or pulpy, Pseudo Sue strikes a pleasant balance between juiciness and refreshment.

Overall Impression – 4.7/5
Pseudo Sue is an exceptionally well crafted pale ale that bridges the gap between traditional pale ales and modern hazy IPAs. The use of Citra hops shines, offering an aromatic and flavorful experience without overwhelming bitterness. Its approachability makes it a great entry point for those new to hop-forward beers, while its complexity keeps seasoned craft beer fans coming back for more.

One of the standout aspects of this beer is its consistency. Toppling Goliath has managed to maintain high quality across batches, which is no small feat for a hop-centric brew. Whether enjoyed fresh from the brewery or canned and distributed, Pseudo Sue remains a benchmark for American Pale Ales.

Final Rating: 4.7/5
Pros – Explosive tropical hop aroma, balanced bitterness, smooth drinkability
Cons – Slightly pricey compared to standard pale ales, limited distribution in some areas

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! If you’re a fan of hoppy beers but want something lighter and more sessionable than a full-fledged IPA, Pseudo Sue is an excellent choice. It’s a modern classic in the pale ale category and a testament to Toppling Goliath’s expertise in hop-forward brewing.

If you’ve tried Toppling Goliath’s Pseudo Sue, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.