Let's say you've bought some beer and now you want to buy some cheese to go with it. There are two ways to go about this:
1.You can be very specific about this process, carefully pairing the flavors in a specific type of beer with a specific cheese
2. You can simply buy a few cheeses that are generally friendly to all types of beer
If you're in a rush or aren't the type of person who likes to get caught up in details, I recommend option #2. Whatever type of beer you're drinking, you can't go wrong with the cheese choices below.
What is your favorite cheese and beer pairing? Share your recommendation here.
Cheddar
Bravo Cheddar. Photo by J. Meier.
Orange Cheddar, white Cheddar, sharp Cheddar, mild Cheddar...it doesn't really matter. This cheese goes incredibly well with beer. Some of my favorites are Montgomery's Cheddar, Seaside Cheddar, Bravo Cheddar, Grafton Cheddar, and Flagship Cheddar.
Gouda
Five-Year Aged Gouda. Photo by J. Meier
Aged Gouda has all sorts of intense flavors packed into it: sweet, salty, nutty and sharp. What better to way wash down this flavorful cheese than with a refreshing swig of beer? If aged Gouda is too intense, try a smoked Gouda or a young Gouda that is mild and soft.
Chimay
Chimay cheese. Photo courtesy of Price Grabber
On the official Chimay website it is written, "Here, in this heaven of peace and silence where since 1850 Trappist monks have dedicated their life to God, products are made which, in themselves, gladden the heart of man." I couldn't agree more. Chimay cheese always gladdens my heart. A cheese that is bathed in beer is a natural pairing choice when you're drinking beer. Chimay is on the milder side of washed-rind cheeses. If you want something stinkier and saltier to pair with beer try Epoisses , Langre, the Cowgirl Creamery's Redhawk or Cato Corner Farm's Hooligan.
Pecorino
Pecorino Sardo. Photo by J. Meier
Pecorino refers to a large selection of Italian cheeses made with sheeps' milk that share a salty, nutty flavor. Hmmm, what else pairs well with beer? That's right, salted nuts. So it makes sense that Pecorino cheeses will taste great with beer, too. Pecorino Romano is the most well-known Pecorino cheese, but often better for cooking than snacking. Instead, look for Pecorino Ginepro.Pecorino Pepato or Pecorino Foglie di Noci.
Gruyere
The dense texture and aged flavor of Gruyere - not too mild and not too strong - makes it an extremely versatile cheese. If you're tired of eating Cheddar, Gruyere is the next cheese you should try.
