How To Pair Cheese and Whiskey
You might wonder why cheese is eaten with whiskey. The science behind pairing cheese and whiskey is quite simple. Cheese, especially those with higher fat content, can help coat the palate and reduce the harshness of high alcohol content in whiskey. The fats in cheese can help mellow the burn of a higher proof whiskey, and create a smoother overall sensation.
Beyond that, we must look at the textural aspects and flavor profile of the spirit and the cheese. Sometimes, we like to connect the elements with a common thread. Other times, we want to contrast.
Let’s first look at some popular cheese types and speak generally about what styles of whiskey they tend to suit best.
Goat or Sheep’s Milk Cheese: Pair with Lighter-Style Whiskies
Cheeses from goat and sheep’s milk are lighter in flavor, lower in fat, and more delicate tasting than cow’s milk cheeses. Avoid heavier, peaty, or smoky whiskeys as a rule. Still, a whiskey like Stranahan’s Diamond Peak is an excellent match as its bright, peppery character adds depth to the cheese while the tanginess elevates the whiskey’s freshness.
Young Semi-Firm Cheeses: Pair with Fruity, Warm Single Malts
Semi-firm cheeses like Gouda, Manchego, Comté, or Gruyere are excellent paired with a sherry cask-aged malt like Stranahan’s Sherry Cask. The sweet, soft fruitiness of the whiskey elevates these cheeses, which can tend to be a bit one-dimensional. The sherry flavors have a nutty characteristic that matches sharper styles, such as Jarlsberg, Comté, and Gruyere.
Aged Cheddar, Blue Cheese, and Stilton: Pair with Bolder Whiskey
Whether you prefer the tangy sharpness of an old cheddar (we suggest five years old or more) or the pungency of a ripe, creamy blue, Stranahan’s Original Single Malt Whiskey is the ultimate pairing. There’s a certain sweetness to the whiskey that marries with the tang of these cheeses that’s both complementary and opposed. Like two old friends having a lively discussion, they might not see eye-to-eye on the surface, but their partnership is undeniable.
Washed and Bloomy Rind Cheeses: Pair with Earthy, Woody Malts
Washed and bloomy rind cheeses are rich in flavor and often a bit “stinky,” calling for a whiskey with an earthy, salty, and more acidic character. Stranahan’s Cask Strength Single Barrel fits the bill perfectly. Its rich earthiness and layers of oak complement the spice and tobacco notes to create a pairing that is more than the sum of its parts.
Whiskey and Cheese Tasting Tips
If you love an incredible taste experience, a whiskey and cheese pairing is a fantastic way to discover new ways to enjoy two of your favorite things. The range of cheeses available today is quite remarkable, and your local cheesemonger can guide you in making the best selections to make your whiskey and cheese tasting out of this world.
Here are a few pro tips to hone your palate.
- Try to choose at least one cheese from each style mentioned above.
- Estimate about an ounce of each type of cheese per person.
- Purchase good quality crackers or baguettes.
- Include complementary accompaniments like dried fruit or Stranahan’s & Bjorn’s Whiskey Barrel Colorado Honey.
Be sure to have a separate glass for each whiskey so your guests can compare. We recommend Stranahan’s Nosing Glasses to enhance the tasting experience.
The Ultimate Whiskey and Cheese Pairing Experience Starts with Stranahan’s
With these whiskey and cheese pairing tips in your back pocket, your next get-together will be a night to remember for all the best reasons. As the most awarded American Single Malt, Stranahan’s provides the best selection of whiskies and barware to help you create the perfect whiskey and cheese pairing experience and even helps you learn how to taste whiskey like a pro! Cheers!
Indulge in this incredible culinary experience and get a bottle of Stranahan’s delivered to your door. Shop our collection today!
