The acidity and effervescence of beer complement the fat in cheese. This combination rinses the palate and keeps the taste buds as in tune as possible.
Use color as a guide: Lighter cheeses go well with lighter beers. Dark cheeses like Goudas and golden blues match better with dark beer like amber ale or imperial stout.
Roquefort, Etoile Bleue de Saint-Remi, Cabrales, Livarot, Munster
1. White Beer
Aspect
Description
Appearance
White Beer, also known as Witbier or Belgian White, typically has a hazy, pale golden to light straw color due to its unfiltered nature. The beer often produces a sizeable, frothy white head when poured.
Aroma
The aroma of White Beer is a blend of citrus (often orange or lemon) and spice (commonly coriander), with undertones of wheat and sometimes a hint of yeast.
Taste
The flavor profile is predominantly zesty and tangy, again due to the citrus and spice additions. The malted wheat gives it a slightly sweet, grainy, and bread-like taste. It’s often less bitter than many other styles of beer.
Mouthfeel
White Beers are generally light to medium in body with a smooth, creamy texture. The carbonation level is usually moderate to high, contributing to a refreshing and crisp finish.
Overall Impression
White Beers are well-balanced, refreshing, and easy to drink. They’re known for their complex yet delicate flavors and are particularly enjoyable during the warmer months.
Light Blond Beer typically has a clear, golden color with a frothy white head. It often sparkles when poured due to its high carbonation.
Aroma
The aroma of Light Blond Beer is generally a balance of malt and hops. It often carries a hint of graininess, with subtle notes of fruit or spice, depending on the specific brew.
Taste
This type of beer usually has a crisp and clean taste. The flavor profile is predominantly malty sweetness, balanced by a moderate hop bitterness. Some varieties may also have a slight fruity or spicy undertone.
Mouthfeel
Light Blond Beers are typically light to medium in body. They are often highly carbonated which contributes to a refreshing and crisp mouthfeel.
Overall Impression
Light Blond Beers are known for their balance and simplicity. They are easy to drink, making them a popular choice for many beer drinkers. These beers are particularly enjoyable in warm weather due to their refreshing qualities.
Soft Cheeses with Bloomy Rinds: Gortnamona, Bonchester Cheese, Brie de Meaux (younger cheeses to avoid masking the flavor)
3. Dry and Fruity Blond Beer
Aspect
Description
Appearance
Dry and Fruity Blond Beer generally has a clear to slightly hazy, golden color with a significant, frothy white head.
Aroma
This style of beer typically exhibits a prominent fruity aroma, often of citrus, apple, or pear. There may also be subtle notes of spice and a hint of malt sweetness in the background.
Taste
The flavor profile is characterized by a balance of fruitiness and dryness. The malt sweetness is usually moderate and well-balanced by hop bitterness. The fruit flavors detected in the aroma are also present in the taste.
Mouthfeel
Dry and Fruity Blond Beers are usually medium-bodied with a dry finish. The carbonation level can range from moderate to high, contributing to a refreshing mouthfeel.
Overall Impression
Dry and Fruity Blond Beers are known for their complex flavor profile and balance between fruitiness and dryness. They are refreshing and versatile, pairing well with a variety of foods. These beers are enjoyable at any time of the year.
Bitter Blond Beer usually presents a clear, golden to amber color with a substantial white head.
Aroma
The aroma of this beer style is typically dominated by hoppy notes, often floral or citrusy, with a backing of malt sweetness.
Taste
The flavor profile of Bitter Blond Beer is characterized by a strong bitterness from the hops, balanced by a moderate malt sweetness. Some versions may also exhibit fruity or spicy flavors.
Mouthfeel
Bitter Blond Beers are generally medium-bodied with a dry, bitter finish. The carbonation level is usually moderate to high, adding to the beer’s crispness.
Overall Impression
Bitter Blond Beers are known for their pronounced hop bitterness and balanced malt profile. They are robust and flavorful, making them a popular choice for those who enjoy hop-forward beers. These beers can be enjoyed all year round.
Soft Cheeses with Natural Rinds: Sainte-Maure de Touraine, Bonne Bouche, Murazzano (ripened cheeses)
5. Amber Ale
Aspect
Description
Appearance
Amber Ales typically have a clear, amber to deep copper color with a creamy, off-white head.
Aroma
The aroma of Amber Ales is usually a balance of malt and hops. They often carry caramel or toasted malt scents, along with floral or citrusy hop notes. Some may also feature subtle fruit or nut aromas.
Taste
The flavor profile of Amber Ales is characterized by a strong malt presence, often with notes of caramel, toast, or biscuit. This is balanced by a moderate hop bitterness. Some versions may also have hints of fruits or nuts.
Mouthfeel
Amber Ales are generally medium-bodied with a smooth texture. The carbonation level is typically moderate, contributing to a somewhat creamy mouthfeel.
Overall Impression
Amber Ales are known for their balance of malt and hop flavors, with a focus on the rich, caramel or toasted malt character. They are versatile and approachable, making them a popular choice for both novice and seasoned beer drinkers.
Soft Cheeses with Bloomy Rinds:Camembert de Normandie, Buffalo Brie, Woolamai Mist (ripened cheeses)
6. Dark Beer
Aspect
Description
Appearance
Dark Beers typically range from dark brown to pitch black in color with a tan or brown head.
Aroma
The aroma of Dark Beers can vary greatly, but often includes notes of roasted malt, chocolate, coffee, caramel, and sometimes dark fruits like raisins or plums.
Taste
The flavor profile of Dark Beers is usually dominated by the same roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee notes found in the aroma. The sweetness from the malt is often balanced by a moderate to high bitterness, especially in darker ales or stouts.
Mouthfeel
Dark Beers are generally medium to full-bodied and have a smooth, sometimes creamy texture. The carbonation can vary, but it’s usually on the lower side, contributing to the beer’s rich mouthfeel.
Overall Impression
Dark Beers are known for their depth of flavor and complexity. They can range from sweet to bitter, with a wide range of flavors in between. These beers are often enjoyed in cooler weather due to their hearty, warming qualities.
Dark Beer Goes Well With:
Blue-veined Cheeses:Roquefort, Etoile Bleue de Saint-Remi, Cabrales (strong cheeses)
Soft Cheeses with Bloomy Rinds: Livarot, Munster (ripened cheeses)
