Craft beer news isn’t all about acquisitions and mergers these days. Thanks to unprecedented growth, it also means that previously hard to come by beers are becoming more available. For instance, take a look at the growth at Toppling Goliath, a little brewery out of Iowa, and their popular, but hard to find pale PseudoSue.
Toppling Goliath has been making great beers since 2009, but has gone largely under the radar because of their modest production and distribution. This writer and other fans have been restricted to 22 oz. bombers of their products. The bomber is a fine vehicle, but a four-pack of 12-ouncers seems to better suit a pale ale like Pseudo Sue. Thanks to recent growth, that’s exactly what beer drinkers are getting.
The beer pours an orange-yellow with a slight cloudiness, almost reminiscent of a hefeweizen. With a white head and a citrus-driven aroma that leans heavily on the lemon-orange spectrum (thanks to all those Citra hops), the beer really delivers on those first sensory impressions. The citrus notes are big and juicy, with a crisp pine resin finish that evolves from zesty to lightly malty, followed by an IPA-style bitter finish. Even with the Citra-forward flavor profile, it drinks clean and the finish tapers off quickly without lingering on the palate, similar to a wet hop beer. Grapefruit, lemon, and pine define the experience of PseudoSue, and it has a nice juicy feel, both from the flavor and the haziness, which indicates a mild filter if any.
The pale ale style is painfully familiar these days, and yet, PseudoSue offers a refreshing take that balances complexity with simplicity within a relatively sessionable beer. And now it’s more available. Toppling Goliath’s recent expansion through Florida-based Brew Hub is increasing production from 3,200 barrels a year to nearly 20,000 barrels, and will spread distribution beyond Iowa.
Brewery: Toppling Goliath Brewing Company
City: Decorah, Iowa
Style: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.8%
IBU: 50
Availability: 12 oz. bottles, draft