Brewery: Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. (Decorah, Iowa)
Style: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.8%
Hops: Nelson Sauvin (dry hopped)
Toppling Goliath, a regional powerhouse in the craft beer industry, has gained a reputation for brewing some of the best hoppy beers in the U.S. Pseudo Sue, their flagship pale ale, is already loved for its bright, juicy character, but this limited edition variant takes things a step further by incorporating a dry-hop addition of Nelson Sauvin hops. This hop variety, known for its intense white grape, gooseberry, and tropical fruit flavors, adds an interesting twist to an already celebrated brew.
Appearance
The beer pours a hazy golden orange hue, crowned with a frothy white head that lingers, leaving delicate lacing on the glass. Its vibrant appearance is inviting and hints at the juiciness to come.
Aroma
The nose is dominated by bright, tropical fruit notes, courtesy of the Nelson Sauvin hops, such as ripe pineapple, passion fruit, and a distinct white grape character that sets this beer apart. There’s a subtle grassy undertone and a touch of citrus, adding complexity without overwhelming the senses.
Flavor
On the palate, the Nelson Sauvin hops shine, delivering a burst of tropical fruit flavors intertwined with a crisp, white wine-like acidity. The malt backbone is light and slightly bready, providing just enough support to let the hops take center stage. The finish is dry and refreshing, with a lingering grapefruit and herbal bitterness. Compared to the original Pseudo Sue, this version leans more toward a crisp, vinous quality rather than just juicy citrus, making it an intriguing twist for fans of the series.
Mouthfeel
This pale ale is light to medium bodied with a smooth, almost creamy texture. The carbonation is moderate, enhancing the beer’s drinkability and making it incredibly sessionable despite its bold flavors.
Overall Impression
Toppling Goliath’s Nelson Sauvin Dry Hop Pseudo Sue is a standout in the crowded field of hop-forward pale ales. The use of Nelson Sauvin hops adds a unique twist, infusing the beer with a distinctive white grape character that sets it apart from other iterations of Pseudo Sue. While it may not appeal to those who prefer more malt-forward or traditional hop profiles, it’s a great beer for fans of tropical, fruity, and slightly vinous beers.
Pros – Unique hop character, bright aroma, balanced bitterness, smooth mouthfeel.
Cons – Might not appeal to those who dislike white wine like hop flavors.
Ratings
- Appearance – 4.5/5
- Aroma – 4.7/5
- Flavor – 4.6/5
- Mouthfeel – 4.4/5
- Overall – 4.6/5
Toppling Goliath’s Nelson Sauvin Dry Hop Pseudo Sue is an excellent variation of an already stellar beer. The addition of Nelson Sauvin hops elevates the experience with a unique white grape and gooseberry twist, making it a great choice for fans of both hoppy beers and wine like hop profiles.
While some might prefer the original for its more classic juicy citrus focus, this version stands out with its refined and slightly more complex hop character. It’s a fantastic example of how a well made dry hop variation can create a fresh, exciting take on an established favorite.
If you’ve tried Toppling Goliath’s Nelson Sauvin Dry Hop Pseudo Sue, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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