About Beer and Cheese
From
the combination of Cheddar and ale in a British pub lunch, to the
modern American menu of pizza and beer, cheese and a beer make a classic
pair. 
Taste
a cheese with beer and you will experience a complement, contrast,
or even a new flavor combination on the palate.
Beer
is much less acidic than wine - so that pairing beer with cheese is
a mostly harmonious match.
Photo:
Widmer Cheese Cellars in Theresa, WI, sells an aged brick cheese that
is delightful with saison Belgian-style ale
Beercook
reader and brewer Chip Tate points out, "The optimum pH for cheese
is about 5.0, plus or minus. It is true that this is less acidic than
beer, which in turn is less acidic than wine (both in terms of titratable
acidity and pH). However, without that acidic pH, milk's proteins
would not coagulate into curd-obviously important in making cheese!"
Partners
on the Palate Cheesemaking
is an art, reflecting centuries of tradition. In Wisconsin, the artisanal
approach of specialty cheesemakers shows in imaginative flavors and
styles.
More than 300 varieties, types, and styles of cheese are now made
in Wisconsin, thanks to the diverse ethnic heritage of the state and
superb quality of cow's milk. From traditional ethnic styles, such
as the Italian white Mozzarella, to cheeses flavored with premium
ingredients, from fresh herbs, piquant habenero peppers, sun-dried
tomatoes, caraway seeds, or even wild morels, cheesemakers show their
innovation.
Quality
and diversity in modern cheesemaking has its parallel in craft brewing.
In the past decade, many styles of beer have been rediscovered and
inspired new variations on those classic styles. The term "craft
brewing" denotes the better quality and costly ingredients used
to produce these specialty brews.
Little wonder, then, that specialty cheese and craft beer are natural
partners. Both are made from fermented liquids, infused with special
yeasts or cultures, and made in many styles, for variety in taste.
Thanks to specialty malts, fresh domestic hops, and other ingredients
(including herbs, fruits and spices), American craft beers are available
in more than 60 styles. Such beer styles vary in taste from light
and refreshing pilsners, to smoky dry stouts, to fruity, effervescent
cask-conditioned ales bottled with live yeast.
Just as wine connoisseurs appreciate varietal grapes, so too do beer
lovers appreciate the varietal hops and quality ingredients in craft
beers.
More
about beer tasting
How to evaluate quality in cheese
A dozen suggested pairings
- craft beer and specialty cheese
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