True to form, the Breckenridge Pandora’s Bock is a brew that opens up slowly, starting with smooth malts that lure you in to a cinnamon or almost pumpkin-spice hoppy crispness that is in sharp contrast to the malts. This Bock feels like a two-toned ale which is nice, but it seems to avoid the identity crisis that many beers with polarizing malt and hop flavors have. Malts do not have to be alcohol-y, nor do they have to be these deep rich chocolates. Breckenridge nails that concept with the smooth caramel and toffee with a hint of the spice to come, and then they turn up the hops as the sip and the bottle go on. I unfortunately do not have much in the way of a pairing for this one because this beer is quite unique, I don’t have a stock answer. But hey, a beer that is so unique I can’t pair it off the top of my head is a solid problem to have, so we’ll take it!

Ah, the Avery White Rascal surprises me again today! This beer is a bit of a flavor explosion, with a light crispness throughout that helps the drinker enjoy each of the flavors without dwelling on them or mixing them together to combat or spoil each other. What I enjoy the most about the Rascal is that the chocolate/herbal/doughy balance that is the initial hit is great. It shows the brewers understand balance, and leaves the drinker eagerly awaiting what is next from their beer. Spice flavors dominate the finish yet do not clobber, giving the consumer a great opportunity to be able to pick out flavors without being overwhelmed, and it gives the seasoned quaffer a strong surprise on the palate that they would not expect from the bottle or coloring.