Much like wine, it is also important to make sure that you choose the right cheese to go with your beer. There are so many beers on the market today, including craft beers, that it can making pairing really confusing. Here are some tips to remember.
Intensity
When pairing cheese with beer, you need to consider the intensity of both. One should not be too strong for the other or it will simply result in the overpowering of one of the flavours. Older beers tend to be milder than younger brews whereas older cheeses are stronger than the younger varieties. Keep this in mind when making your selections.
Complement or contrast
There are two ways in which a cheese can suit a beer – by contrast or complement. Think about a sweeter cheese with a “funky” flavoured beer for example. If you want the perfect pair, consider introducing blue cheese to some stout and you will love the way these flavours come together. On the other hand, lighter cheeses should be paired with lighter beers. This again reflects back to the overpowering factor. A lighter cheese can easily be overpowered by a strong beer or vice versa.
Taste and experiment
The best way to decide which pairings are your favourite is to taste. Each combination should be tasted at least twice so that you can really appreciate the way they work or do not work together. Take the time to let the flavours engulf your senses rather than just chewing and swallowing in a hurry. The taste experience is just that – an experience and it is meant to be enjoyed.