Tongue Buckler Imperial Red Ale

Tongue Buckler Imperial Red Ale, Ballast Point Brewing Company, San Diego, CA
(American Strong Ale, Rated 98)

Opening line on the bottle's side label reads "Our Tongue Buckler Imperial Red Ale doesn't pull any punches."  No it certainly does not. Ruby red pour with a quickly dissipating head. First waft through the nose reveals what the label warns, heavy, pungent, piney hop aromas. Toasted malts. Hints of citrus and caramel. Taste is lightly brown sugar sweetness that quickly gives way to an abundance of piney resin and sticky hops. Woody fresh. Toasty burnt malts. Has a lingering, over the top bitterness. with an alcohol burn at 10% abv. Reminds me of Green Flash Brewing's Palate Wrecker.