The first of my print articles for The Bulletin in August focused on a collaboration beer cooked up between Boneyard Beer and Y.Market Brewing of Japan—Yokozuna IPA, brewed for the Fuji to Hood Festival and released on draft at Boneyard’s pub and taproom. Every collab brewed for the festival incorporated at least one Japanese ingredient, and Yokozuna showcases Sumo Citrus and Cara Cara orange.

Dekopon, better known as Sumo Citrus in the United States, is a sweet variety of satsuma orange developed in Japan. The large fruit is known for the large protruding bump on the top and its bumpy textured peel.

It was this peel that was added to the beer, along with purée of Cara Cara oranges. Boneyard is no stranger to working with citrus; one of its most popular beers is Incredible Pulp Blood Orange Extra Pale Ale, which features blood orange purée. These additions boost the fruit and floral character as well as help to dry out the body for drinkability.

The name of the beer, Yokozuna, is a play on the use of Sumo Citrus, as the word means the highest rank one can obtain in Sumo wrestling.

You can read my notes on the beer itself at the article, and Yokozuna IPA is still available on tap at the Boneyard Pub in Bend.