Beyond Wine: Exploring Unconventional Cheese Pairings

When we think of cheese pairings, our minds often jump to wine. But why limit ourselves? There’s a world of possibilities beyond the traditional wine and cheese combination. Experimenting with non-traditional pairings can be a fun and liberating experience, allowing us to discover new flavors and textures.

Beer and Cheese: A Perfect Match

A Pilsner’s lush flavor and refreshing qualities make it a great match for a creamy, organic cow’s milk cheese. The alfalfa notes in the cheese mesh perfectly with the fresh hay notes in the beer, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Coffee and Cheese: A Surprising Duo

Roasty drip coffee and hazelnutty cheese make for a surprisingly delightful combination. The toasted hazelnuts and scalded milk flavors in the cheese are elevated by the rich, bold flavors of the coffee, creating a savory and complex taste experience.

Cider and Cheese: A Sweet and Savory Pairing

Hard cider can be a great match for cheese, with its fresh, fragrant notes of apples pairing beautifully with a caramel-y cheese. The result is a sweet and savory combination that’s reminiscent of a caramel apple.

Mezcal and Cheese: A Smoky Affair

Smoky mezcal and lemony goat cheese make for a pairing that’s both bold and refined. The mineral-y flavor of the mezcal complements the creamy, ripened cheese perfectly, with the yeasty flavors on the rind and grassy, preserved lemony flavors inside the cheese mirroring the same flavors in the mezcal.

Seltzer and Cheese: A Refreshing Twist

Basil berry seltzer and croissant-y cheese may seem like an unusual pairing, but the vibrant, balanced flavors of the seltzer are elevated by the herbaceousness of the basil, which juxtaposes beautifully with the freshness of the berry flavors. The result is a refreshing and fruity combination that’s perfect for warm weather.

Tiki Drinks and Cheese: A Tropical Getaway

Tiki drinks may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of cheese pairings, but they can be a surprisingly great match. A cocktail with dark rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple and orange juices highlights the nuttiness and caramel corn notes in a goat cheese. The result is a tropical getaway in a cheese pairing.

Tea and Cheese: A Smoky Delight

Smoky tea and smoky cheese make for a pairing that’s both bold and nuanced. The delicate orchard fruit flavors and minerality of the tea leaves are elevated by the smoke, which complements the delicate smokiness of the cheese perfectly. The result is a complex and intriguing combination that will leave you wanting more.