Brewery: Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
Style: American Pale Ale (Double Dry Hopped)
ABV: 5.8%
Location: Decorah, Iowa
Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. has earned a cult-like following among craft beer enthusiasts for producing bold, hop-forward beers, and Pseudo Sue is arguably their most famous creation. Named after the mighty T. rex specimen “Sue” housed at the Field Museum in Chicago, this pale ale showcases the power of Citra hops. The double dry-hopped (DDH) version takes things up a notch, intensifying the aroma and flavor while maintaining its easy drinking nature.
Appearance – 4.5/5
Pouring a hazy, golden-orange hue with a frothy, white head, this beer has the visual appeal of a New England-style pale ale. The haze suggests an unfiltered, juicy character, while the steady carbonation creates a soft and inviting look.
Aroma – 4.8/5
The nose is a tropical fruit explosion. Huge waves of mango, passion fruit, tangerine, and pineapple leap from the glass, complemented by notes of citrus zest and a touch of floral sweetness. The additional dry hopping enhances the intensity, making it one of the most aromatic pale ales out there.
Taste – 4.7/5
Flavor-wise, Double Dry Hopped Pseudo Sue (45 IBU) delivers exactly what the aroma promises. The Citra hops shine with vibrant bursts of grapefruit, orange peel, and ripe tropical fruits, balanced by a gentle malt sweetness. Despite its hop-forward nature, there’s a smooth, soft mouthfeel that makes it exceptionally drinkable. The bitterness is present but restrained, allowing the juicy flavors to take center stage.
Mouthfeel – 4.6/5
The body is medium-light with a pillowy softness, a characteristic often associated with New England IPAs rather than traditional pale ales. The carbonation is moderate, providing just enough lift to keep each sip refreshing without overwhelming the palate.
Drinkability & Overall Impression – 4.7/5
For a beer packed with this much hop character, it remains incredibly balanced and approachable. The double dry-hopping enhances the aroma and flavor without making it too bitter or heavy. It’s an excellent gateway for those new to hoppy beers but still offers enough complexity for seasoned hop heads to appreciate.
Final Rating – 4.7/5
Toppling Goliath’s Double Dry Hopped Pseudo Sue is a masterclass in how to amplify hop aroma and flavor without sacrificing drinkability. It retains all the beloved qualities of the original Pseudo Sue but elevates the experience with an even juicier and more aromatic punch. While some might prefer a slightly bolder ABV for a DDH offering, this beer strikes an impressive balance between flavor intensity and sessionability.
If you’ve tried the double dry hopped version of Pseudo Sue, please share your thoughts about it in the comments below. If you haven’t tried it, do yourself a favor and do so!
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