Toppling Goliath NA Pseudo Sue

NA Pseudo Sue is the non-alcoholic version of Toppling Goliath's Pseudo Sue, the Decorah, Iowa brewery's Citra-hopped pale ale. It's built to keep the hop-forward, citrus and tropical character of the original without the alcohol. Citra-driven pale ales usually put grapefruit, orange peel, lime and stone-fruit or mango aromas up front. Expect a similar lean here, with a drier, lighter body than a full-strength beer. Non-alcoholic brewing tends to leave less malt sweetness and weight behind, so the hops carry most of the flavor. Serve it cold, around 38 to 45°F. Hop aromatics are at their brightest in that range and the finish stays crisp. Straight from the fridge is fine, but a few minutes in the glass lets the citrus and tropical notes open up. Pour it into a tulip, shaped pint or IPA glass, which narrows at the top to hold the aroma. A standard pint glass works too, and a pour with a modest head releases more of the hop character than drinking from the can. It doesn't need ice or a mixer, but its citrus profile suits a few simple builds. Topped with a splash of grapefruit juice or soda over ice, it becomes a lighter shandy-style drink. With lime, a pinch of salt and a dash of hot sauce, it works as a non-alcoholic michelada-style serve. Because it's a finished pale ale, keep any additions small so the hops stay in front. At the table, hop-forward pale ales pair well with foods that have heat, acid or char. Fish tacos with lime, grilled chicken, shrimp, jerk or Thai-style dishes, and burgers with sharp cheddar are all good fits. The bitterness and citrus cut through fat and spice, and the tropical fruit notes echo ingredients like mango, pineapple and cilantro. It also works as a drink for a meal on its own, since pale ale styles usually handle both fried and fresh dishes.