I watched my first-ever sumo match on a grainy old TV mounted in the corner of a Tokyo dive bar. I didn’t understand the rules or the commentary, though I did quite enjoy cheering at the screen over a few beers, alongside the other bar patrons.

But, our gleeful yells pale in comparison to the praises craft fans are heaving on today’s brand-new Double NE-style IPA:

• “The best damn Hazy IPA that I have ever had!!! Every day should be a Sumo Not Judo day!” @Adrienne S.

• “Loving this one! Sorta bright haze and lush all around with awesome tropical citrus Mosaic magnificence!” @Hunt C.

• “Heavy body and juicy finish!” @Scott T.

Who can blame ‘em? Entering the ring with powerful orange juice, grapefruit, and melon flavors, this hopbomb packs a sumo-sized 6 lbs of Citra and Mosaic Hops per barrel. That’s twice the amount in the average IPA, and it all comes wrapped in a lively 8% ABV!

It’s from Four Fathers Brewing too, a growing force on the Midwest craft circuit. The beer experts at Local 219 named these Indiana Brewers Cup medalists one of the “best breweries in Northwest Indiana, without question.” 

While you might not be able to get to Japan for a sumo wrestling match anytime soon, a sip of today’s covet-worthy hazebomb is definitely worth cheering about!

Tavour strictly supports independent beer. Four Fathers Brewing is certified independent by the Brewers Association