Believe it or not, beer is as good if not better than wine as a complement to cheese. The carbonation of a cold beer matches up nicely with the creamy and salty elements of many cheeses. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our beer-and-cheese pairing ideas, complete with local New England cheeses:
Von Trapp Oktoberfest Lager and Cabot Clothbound
This dark, full-bodied lager, made in Stowe, Vt., brings a fine caramel finish that balances with the signature tang and caramel nuttiness of Cabot’s Clothbound. Don’t forget the crackers!
Harpoon IPA and Vermont Farmstead AleHouse Cheddar
There’s no better way to partner up a local India pale ale than with a cheese that has some of that very IPA mixed in. During the cheese making process, Vermont Farmstead soaks its curds in Harpoon’s Munich Dark and their IPA. The resulting cheese a fragrant ale nose, a balance of cheddar and nut flavors and a strong hop finish. Enjoy it with a cold Harpoon IPA to bring out the flavor even more.
Mayflower Daily Ration with Cabot Sharp Cheddar
The Pilgrims drank beer with nearly all of their meals and the ship’s crew had a daily ration of a gallon. Mayflower Daily Ration is an unfiltered American ale that is crisp and dry, bursting with citrusy hop flavor and aroma. Drink yours with smooth, creamy Cabot Sharp Cheddar and buttery crackers.
Sam Adams Hazel Brown Ale and Taylor Brothers Cloverland Colby
This dark brown ale has a distinct hazelnut aroma and taste, with slightly sweet caramel and toffee malt accents. The soft, mild Colby from Taylor Brothers Farm in Meriden, NH, balances with the robust ale. Mix the cheese into pasta or melt it on toast and wash it down with this nutty brew.
Allagash White and Moses Sleeper Weybridge
This delicate, bloomy rind cheese inspired by French brie blends flavors of toasted nuts, crème fraîche and cauliflower, with a finish of white mushroom. These flavors, along with the cheese’s milky core, balance well with a wheat beer such as Allagash White. Brewed with a generous portion of wheat and spiced with coriander and Curacao orange peel, this fruity, refreshing beer is ideal with Weybridge and crostini. Add some toasted walnuts and a drizzle of honey.