Sumo our flagship beer

$UMO: The Story Behind Mad Squirrel Brewery’s Flagship Beer

Over the past few years, SUMO has grown from a popular local beer into one of the most recognisable craft beers in the UK. Today, it’s poured nationwide thanks to its permanent listing in JD Wetherspoon pubs and is consistently celebrated by drinkers on Untappd and across social media.

But what makes SUMO so special? In this deep dive, we explore the history, brewing philosophy, flavour profile, and where you can enjoy this award-winning craft beer. 🍺

The Origins of SUMO

SUMO was created with a simple goal: brew a modern beer that packs a punch without sacrificing drinkability.

When we, at Mad Squirrel began experimenting with hop-forward recipes, the idea was to develop a beer that could appeal to both seasoned craft beer enthusiasts and newcomers to the style. The result was a beer that balanced:

  • Bold hop character

  • A smooth malt backbone

  • Clean bitterness

  • Exceptional drinkability

The name SUMO reflects exactly what the beer delivers: big flavour, big character, and a bold presence in the glass which is the result of blending to heavy weights hops - Summit & Mosaic.

From the beginning, SUMO quickly stood out in the brewery's lineup. Its distinctive hop profile and bright citrus aroma made it a favourite among regulars at Mad Squirrel taprooms and partner pubs.

What started as a popular core beer soon became something much bigger.

A Permanent Listing in Wetherspoons

Securing a permanent listing with JD Wetherspoon is a huge achievement for the brewery.

With hundreds of pubs across the UK, Wetherspoons provides one of the largest pub platforms in the country. For SUMO, this has meant:

  • Nationwide exposure

  • Thousands of new drinkers discovering the beer

  • Consistent availability across multiple locations

For craft beer fans, it also means finding a quality IPA on tap is easier than ever.

Whether you're in London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, or a small town in between, there’s a good chance SUMO is pouring nearby.

What Style of Beer Is SUMO?

SUMO sits firmly in the modern IPA category.

While rooted in traditional APA brewing techniques, it incorporates contemporary hop selections and brewing methods that give it a distinctly modern character.

Style: Hazy Pale

Strength: 4.7% ABV

Key Characteristics:

  • Bright citrus aroma

  • Tropical fruit hop flavours

  • Balanced bitterness

  • Clean, refreshing finish

This combination makes SUMO a sessionable IPA—flavourful enough for craft enthusiasts yet smooth enough to enjoy pint after pint.

The Flavour Profile

One of the reasons SUMO has become so popular is its layered flavour experience.

Aroma

Expect a burst of hop-driven aromas as soon as the pint hits the table.

Common notes include:

  • Grapefruit

  • Pine

  • Orange peel

  • Tropical fruit

These aromas come from carefully selected hops known for their vibrant citrus and fruit characteristics.

Taste

The first sip reveals a balanced interplay between hops and malt.

You’ll typically notice:

  • Juicy citrus flavours

  • Subtle tropical notes

  • Light caramel sweetness

  • Clean bitterness

The bitterness never overwhelms the palate—it simply adds structure and balance.

Mouthfeel

SUMO is brewed to be smooth and refreshing.

  • Medium-light body

  • Crisp carbonation

  • Clean finish

The result is a beer that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Why Craft Beer Fans Love $UMO

Craft beer drinkers often look for beers that deliver complexity without being difficult to drink.

SUMO nails this balance.

Reasons fans love it include:

  • Bold but approachable hop character

  • Balanced bitterness

  • Easy-drinking ABV

  • Consistent quality across batches

  • Wide availability

The beer has become a regular feature on Untappd check-ins, where drinkers frequently praise its drinkability and bright hop profile.

Many reviews highlight it as one of the best widely available UK craft IPAs.

Where You Can Drink SUMO

Thanks to its growing popularity, SUMO is easier than ever to find.

Wetherspoons Pubs

SUMO now holds a permanent national listing in JD Wetherspoon pubs.

This means you can enjoy a fresh pint in hundreds of locations across the UK.

Mad Squirrel Taprooms

For the ultimate experience, drink SUMO at its source.

Mad Squirrel Brewery taprooms regularly serve the beer alongside limited-edition releases and seasonal brews.

Independent Craft Beer Bars

Many independent pubs and craft beer venues also stock SUMO due to strong demand from customers.

Online Ordering

Fans can also purchase SUMO directly from the Mad Squirrel website for home delivery, making it easy to enjoy this flagship IPA wherever you are.

COSTCO

You can find a 12 pack of $UMO from selected Costco stores around the country. This is great for all Costco visitors as you can pick up quality, craft beer at a discounted rate.

Try SUMO for Yourself

Whether you're discovering it for the first time or returning for another pint, $UMO represents everything great about modern British craft brewing.

Next time you visit a JD Wetherspoon pub, a Mad Squirrel taproom, or a craft beer bar, keep an eye out for this standout IPA.

One sip and you’ll understand why so many drinkers have made SUMO their go-to pint. 🍺

Looking to try SUMO at home?
Visit the Mad Squirrel online shop to order cans and explore the rest of the brewery’s award-winning beers.

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