Welcome to this installment of Beer and Cheese pairings. This week, I’ve chosen three delectably diverse cheeses to face off against a hearty IPA from Blue Note Brewing. Let’s jump right in.
BEER:
Blue Note Brewing’s IPA pours hazy amber with a beige head. It has a citrusy flavor with a healthy hint of pine. The bitterness is balanced nicely by malt leaving this beer with a satisfying dry and bitter finish. It will make a strong pairing companion for the cheeses.
CHEESES:
Smokey Blue is a beautiful blue cheese from Rogue Creamery. It is cold smoked over the shells of hazelnuts to develop a rich flavor. The earthy tones from the smoke mix with the cream flavors to develop this cakey, smooth blue cheese. While this was my favorite cheese of the day, it didn’t quite find a harmonious balance with the bitterness of the beer.
San Joaquin Gold is a cow’s milk cheese from Fiscalini Cheese. It has a great, mildly sweet and mellow flavor when it is young and develops a darker hue and nuttier flavor as it ages. This cheese was a mix of acidity, saltiness and sweetness that balanced beautifully with the IPA, making for the best pairing of the day.
Truffle Tremor® is a ripened goat cheese from Cypress Grove that is full of Italian black summer truffles. This cheese has heavy floral, herb, and mushroom notes and was my favorite cheese of the day. It paired surprisingly well with the beer but wasn’t able to match the balance of the San Joaquin Gold.
Be sure to tune into next week’s edition of Beer and Cheese pairings.