Cheese on tap: Fresh Beer and cheese pairing

We created our own National Cheese and Fresh Beer Day this week with our friends at Mexicana Cheese! 

In recent years the art of matching the two has become increasingly popular. Fresh Beer and cheese pairings offer an exciting way to experience different flavours that enhance each other. When pairing Fresh Beer and cheese, there are a few key things to consider, so here are our 3 top tips:

1. First, the flavour intensity is important. A strong cheese will overpower a lighter beer, yet a strongly flavoured beer would come out on top. For a successful pairing, try to find a balance between the two.

2. Next, think about the texture of each item. A creamy cheese, for example, will taste great with a crisp, carbonated beer, such as Out Of Office. A nutty cheese, on the other hand, will pair nicely with a smooth, traditional British beer, like Public House.

3. Finally, consider the sweetness of the beer. Whilst some beers are bitter, many are sweet and can be a great match for sweeter cheeses - think Whole Nine Yards of which its tartness will be the perfect finish.

When it comes to choosing the right beer and cheese, there are a few simple rules to follow. The two overarching principles of pairing food and drink are simple - complementing and contrasting flavours. A strong, sharp cheddar, for example, will go well with a LIT. A nutty blue cheese, on the other hand, will pair nicely with something with a bigger fruity punch like Space Hopper.

Try to pair beers and cheeses from the same region. For instance, a German-style Fresh Press like Weiss Nights will pair nicely with German cheese, and an American beer like Stars & Stripes will go well with American cheese.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try different beer and cheese combinations to find the perfect pairing. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking for something different to try, Fresh Beer and cheese pairings are sure to be a hit - you'll be surprised at what you discover!