Ex Novo Brewing 'Sumo Suit Yourself' Japanese Style Rice Lager Beer, Oregon

Green tea gives Ex Novo Brewing's 'Sumo Suit Yourself' Japanese-style rice lager beer its distinctive turn on a crisp, light lager. Brewed with flaked rice, Pilsner malt, and pale wheat, then conditioned on green tea, this 5.3% ABV release brings peach and subtle spice into a refreshing Japanese-style framework. Amarillo, German Magnum and Perle hops complete a recipe that keeps its ingredients interesting without losing the straightforward appeal of a well-composed lager.

Product Details:

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 5.3%
• IBU: 18.7
• Grain Bill: Crisp Flaked Rice, Weyermann Pilsner, Weyermann Pale Wheat and Weyermann Carafoam
• Hops: Amarillo, German Magnum and Perle
• Yeast: Lager yeast
• Additional Ingredient: Green tea
• Conditioning: Conditioned on green tea
• Owner: Joel Gregory
• Director of Brewing Operations: Dave Chichura
• Head Brewer: Tevin Gray
• Release Classification: Listed in the brewery’s One-Off series

Sensory Description:

A light body and crisp presentation establish the beer’s refreshing character, with peach notes adding a gentle fruit accent. Subtle spice provides another layer of flavor, giving the restrained lager profile definition without overwhelming it. The green tea conditioning distinguishes the beer’s overall expression, while its modest bitterness keeps the palate approachable. Peach and spice remain delicate accents within a drinking experience defined by lightness and a crisp finish.

Brewer's's Background:

Founded by Joel Gregory, Ex Novo Brewing Company began in Portland, Oregon, in 2014 with a mission connecting beer, charitable giving and community involvement. The brewery expanded to Gregory’s hometown of Corrales, New Mexico, in 2019, establishing a larger production facility that became central to its next chapter. Following the sale of its Oregon brewpubs to Lazy Days Brewing Company in December 2023, Ex Novo continued developing its New Mexico presence, including an Albuquerque location. Director of Brewing Operations Dave Chichura and Head Brewer Tevin Gray are part of the Corrales production team, supporting a portfolio that spans familiar styles and ingredient-focused releases. Its “Drink Beer, Do Good” philosophy also extends to charitable partnerships and community volunteering.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 40 to 45°F in a clean pilsner glass or slender lager glass to preserve its refreshing character while allowing the tea, peach, and spice accents to emerge. Try it alongside vegetable tempura, lightly seasoned grilled fish, cucumber rolls or chilled soba noodles. Chicken yakitori with a restrained glaze offers a slightly richer pairing, while salted edamame, rice crackers and lightly salted popcorn make useful snack companions. Keep refrigerated and enjoy fresh to appreciate the beer’s delicate flavor profile.