Toppling Goliath Pseudo Sue 4Pk

Toppling Goliath Pseudo Sue 4Pk is a 5.8% ABV single-hop pale ale brewed exclusively with Citra hops, packaged in a 4-pack of 16 oz cans. Rated 99 on BeerAdvocate across nearly 6,000 reviews, Pseudo Sue stands as one of the highest-rated American pale ales ever produced and the flagship beer of Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.8%  |  Origin: Decorah, Iowa  |  Style: Single-Hop Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.

Production & Heritage

Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. operates out of Decorah, a small city in northeastern Iowa's Driftless Area, and built its national reputation on hop-driven beers. Pseudo Sue — named after "Sue," the largest Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever discovered — uses 100% Citra hops with no blending or supporting varieties. That single-hop commitment isolates and amplifies everything Citra delivers: explosive tropical fruit character layered over a clean, balanced malt backbone. The beer earned a Gold Medal at the US Open Beer Championship and a Silver Medal at the World Beer Competition (2018–19), and placed #17 on Zymurgy Magazine's Best Beers in America list.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright grapefruit and ripe mango arrive immediately, followed by evergreen pine resin and a subtle floral lift. The nose is remarkably clean for the level of aromatic intensity on display.

Taste: Sweet orange citrus leads on entry, transitioning into juicy melon and mango through the mid-palate. A restrained malt sweetness supports the hop profile without competing for attention, keeping the overall impression fruit-forward and balanced.

Finish: Delicate in body with a mild, clean bitterness that fades quickly. The tropical fruit impression lingers just long enough to invite the next sip rather than overstaying.

How to Drink Pseudo Sue

Pseudo Sue is best enjoyed fresh and cold — pour it into a tulip glass to release its full aromatic range, or drink straight from the can when simplicity matters. Its citrus-forward profile makes it a natural fit in a Radler, blended with fresh lemonade on a hot afternoon. Try it alongside a classic Michelada build — the mango and citrus character holds up well against lime and hot sauce. It also works in a Beer Margarita, where the Citra hop notes echo and amplify the cocktail's citrus base.

Best For

• Introducing a friend to premium American craft pale ales
• Summer cookouts and backyard grilling sessions
• Exploring single-hop brewing to understand Citra's full character
• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates hop-forward styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pseudo Sue taste like? Pseudo Sue delivers bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors — orange, mango, and grapefruit — over a clean malt base with mild bitterness on the finish. It drinks lighter and juicier than many pale ales at its strength, with no harsh hop burn.

How does Pseudo Sue compare to 3 Floyds Zombie Dust? Both are iconic Midwest pale ales built around Citra hops, making them the most frequent comparison in the category. Pseudo Sue is often described as more substantial in body, while both share a similar tropical citrus-forward profile and enjoy near-legendary status among craft beer drinkers.

Is Pseudo Sue good for beginners? At 5.8% ABV with approachable fruit-forward flavors and restrained bitterness, Pseudo Sue is an excellent entry point for anyone exploring craft pale ales. Its clean hop character avoids the aggressive bite that can deter newcomers to the style.

Where is Pseudo Sue made? Pseudo Sue is brewed by Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. in Decorah, Iowa, a small city in the northeastern corner of the state. The Driftless Area region is better known for its limestone bluffs and trout streams than for brewing, which makes the brewery's national acclaim all the more notable.

What foods pair well with Pseudo Sue? Grilled fish tacos complement the citrus hop character naturally. Spicy Thai dishes like green curry benefit from the beer's mild malt sweetness. Sharp cheddar and aged gouda stand up to the hop intensity. Grilled chicken with a citrus glaze echoes the tropical notes, and a classic burger with pepper jack cheese creates a satisfying contrast.

What sizes does Pseudo Sue come in? Pseudo Sue is commonly available in 4-packs of 16 oz cans, which is the standard retail format for this expression.

Is Pseudo Sue worth the price? Pseudo Sue positions as a premium craft pale ale, and its 99-point BeerAdvocate rating alongside multiple competition medals places it among the most acclaimed beers in its category. For a single-hop pale ale, few expressions anywhere in the country have earned comparable critical recognition at this price tier.

Why Pseudo Sue?

A 99-point BeerAdvocate score across nearly 6,000 reviews puts Pseudo Sue in territory that almost no American pale ale has reached. The commitment to 100% Citra hops — no blending, no complexity by committee — makes this a pure expression of a single variety, which is both its identity and its achievement. Gold at the US Open Beer Championship and recognition from Zymurgy Magazine confirm that its reputation extends well beyond online ratings. For anyone who wants to understand what Citra hops can accomplish on their own, Pseudo Sue remains the clearest and most celebrated answer available.