King Sue is a New England-style Double IPA that’s brewed by Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. For the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in an IPA glass from a 16 oz. can.

Packaging art for the King Sue by Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.

What You Need to Know

This hazy DIPA is powered by Citra hops, delivering a big bite the exceeds 100 IBUs. But not to worry. There’s a hefty malt backbone to lend some needed balance. So how was it? Let’s get to the review.

Appearance

The NEDIPA pours an opaque yellow ochre hue and is topped by a thick cap of soapy dulled-white foam that shows good retention. The head’s reduction leaves behind a smattering of residue on the glass. Sediment is visibly adrift.

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Aroma

The aroma isn’t particularly strong but greets the nose with a pleasant citrus hoppiness. Once the beer loses its chill, there’s an air of ripe tropical fruit.

Flavor

The palate is led by a taste of doughy bread that quickly accelerates to a blast of hoppy citrus. Grapefruit is most prominent but there’s also a light lemon and orange as well. Their juicy bite lingers well beyond the finish and the tasting is rounded out with sweet tropical fruit notes of pineapple and mango.

Label art for the King Sue by Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.

Mouthfeel

The feel has a soft draw and is smooth through the middle before finishing relatively dry and crisp. The bitterness and acidity is just above moderate. The alcohol lends a light warmth. The body is just over medium with matching carbonation.

Overall

In fairness, this brew was consumed just before the expiration date printed on the bottom of the can, and thus, this isn’t the freshest example. Perhaps the head retention could be a little better but otherwise, King Sue presents nicely. The aroma isn’t particularly strong and fades quickly not long after the pour. Regardless, it’s still pleasant.

Like the T-Rex on the label, this brew comes at you with tremendous bite. A lofty IBU count isn’t always the story, but in this case, this is one hoppy brew. More so than many New England-style brews, but once you’re acclimated, King Sue tastes amazing.