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Whisky & Cheese. Why We’re In Love With This Strange Combo

Whisky & Cheese. Why We’re In Love With This Strange Combo

With alcohol pairing, whisky is just one of those spirits
that doesn’t usually come with a companion, unless you count cigars (which
we don’t).

However, with the growing interest in whisky, some pretty
interesting combinations are starting to spring up.

For one, have you tried the magical whisky and cheese
combination?

Yes, whisky and cheese is a match made in heaven.
(Credit: @thewhiskyspecialist/Instagram)

Yes, you heard us right. The strong, aromatic drink single
malt together with mouth-watering cheese.

We were introduced to this match made in alcohol heaven by The Balvenie, a Scottish single malt whiskey maker, that recently introduced their Southeast Asia Brand Ambassador, James Cordiner.

James Cordiner, The Balvenie Regional Brand Ambassador to Southeast Asia.
(Credit: William Grant & Sons)

Why does whisky & cheese combo work?

For one there’s the basic science of it. James explains that
the high alcohol content of whisky nicely cuts through the creaminess and
fattiness of the cheese, thus releasing more flavours within the cheese.

Secondly, opposites attract. He explains that using contrasting
flavours helps enhance the flavours of each component.

The Balvenie Core Range along with 4 different types of cheese.
(Credit: William Grant & Sons)

How to find the perfect whiskey & cheese combo

Armed with a wealth of knowledge of the history and craft of
whisky-making as well as being born and raised around all that good scotch in Speyside,
Scotland, James lets us know which pairing makes a gouda couple.

1. Sweet & Spicy Whisky + Smoked Cheese

Using contrasting flavours, the sweet vanilla, honey, toffee
notes with subtle spices (cinnamon and ginger) of ‘The Balvenie Doublewood –
Aged 12 Years’ pairs best with a nice smoky, meaty cheese.

2. Fruitier Whisky + Nutty & Tangy Cheese

In this case, James finds that ‘The Balvenie Caribbean Cask – Aged 14 Years’ goes nicely with the nutty and tangy RIK Cheese from local cheesemaker Milky Whey Cheese.

This particular scotch is predominantly packed with tropical flavours of pineapple, stoned fruits, lemon grass and black with a little citrus. The nutty tang of the cheese actually complements the citrusy notes in the whisky.

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask – Aged 14 Years
(Credit: The Balvenie/Facebook)

3. Strong & Spicy Whisky + Blue Cheese

If you prefer a stronger tipple, packed with Sherry spice,
oak and tannins like ‘The Balvenie Doublewood – Aged 17 Years’, blue cheese is
the best. With its quintessentially strong flavour, the blue cheese does not
get lost when paired with an equally intense whisky.

According to James, blue cheese also still has a creamy texture despite the strong flavour. So when you take a sip of whiskey after trying the cheese, it creates a wonderful mouth feel.

Vanilla, honey, and a hint of green apple notes are also found in The Balvenie Doublewood – Aged 17 Years.
(Credit: The Balvenie/Facebook)

4. Delicate, Subtle Whisky + Brie

One of James’ favourite whiskey and cheese pairings, he places
‘The Balvenie Portwood – Aged 21 Years’ together with a beautifully creamy
brie.

In case you didn’t know, this 21-year-old scotch is a nuanced
drink that’s surprisingly delicate with with notes of honeyed fruits, dates,
prunes, figs, and raisin. Yes, the very fruits commonly paired with the
delicate brie, which explains why most would a-brie with this combination!

Now that you’re armed with the precious knowledge of whisky
and cheese pairing, we strongly recommend you try it because it really makes
everything much cheddar!


Ever tried whisky and cheese pairing? Let us know what you think of this combination on TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

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