9 Year White Aged Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Pairings and Complementary Flavors:

Cocktails: Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Bloody Mary
~ The smooth and sweet flavors in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan cocktail create balanced pairings.
~ The smooth and slightly smoky characteristics of whiskey, bourbon, and malt scotch harmonize with the sharpness and complexity of the cheese.
~ A spicy Bloody Mary garnished with a small cube of this cheese can be an interesting and delightful combination. The acidic nature of the Bloody Mary is an excellent contrast to the rich and tangy flavors of the aged cheddar.

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Port, or Zinfandel
~ Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah,  or Zinfandel are all full-bodied, fruit-forward wines with a touch of spice. They pair perfectly with the strong profile of this aged cheddar to create a satisfying combination.
~ Port wine, with its sweetness and essence of dried fruits and spices, mingles well with the sharpness of the cheese and creates a decadent pairing.

Beer: IPA, Porter, Stout, or Brown ale
~ The hoppy and citrusy style of an IPA or Porter, or a Stout with its roasted malt and sometimes smoky notes, creates a unique and savory relationship.
~ Brown Ale, due to its malty sweetness and notes of toffee and chocolate, offers a beer style that can complement the intensity and nuttiness of the aged white cheddar and create a gratifying balance.

Accompaniments: bread, sweet condiments, olives, nuts, fruit
~ Crusty bread, crackers, or oat biscuits provide a neutral base for enjoying the crumbly texture of the cheese.
~ Chutney, preserves, honey, or dark chocolate allow sweetness and a slight tang to complement the cheese’s intensity. ~ Pickles, olives, or pickled onion cut through the richness and add a refreshingly savory element.
~ Nuts and cured meats add a protein base to contrast textures and build subtle flavors.
~ Fresh fruits such as apples, grapes, or pears create a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity to contrast the robust flavors of the nine-year cheddar. Dried fruits offer a chewy and sweet factor and create a delightful relationship of flavors and textures.

Suggested uses:

• Use nine-year cheddar as the focal point on a charcuterie board, accompanied by well-curated fruits, nuts, meats, and drinks
• Elevate gourmet grilled cheese, pasta, burgers, savory tarts, quiche, or frittata