Tag: blue cheese
Earthy Cheese: The Connoisseur’s Guide to Rich Flavors
Exploring the Deep, Complex World of Rich, Earthy Cheese: A Connoisseur’s Guide
There is something profoundly magical about the first bite of a truly exceptional, rich, earthy cheese. While mild, milky fresh cheeses certainly have their place on the summer table, it is the robust, deeply savory, and terroir-driven wheels that capture the hearts of true culinary adventurers.
Characterized by complex notes of damp forest floors, wild mushrooms, toasted nuts, roasted root vegetables, and deep umami, earthy cheeses offer a completely edible landscape. They tell the story of the soil, the grass, the cave, and the traditional craftsmanship of the cheesemaker.
Whether you want to elevate your next gourmet cheese board, curate the ultimate wine and cheese pairing, or simply satisfy your craving for bold, rustic flavors, this comprehensive guide dives deep into the universe of rich, earthy cheese.
What Makes a Cheese “Earthy”?
To truly understand earthy cheese, we have to look closely at the science of terroir and affinage (aging). Just like fine wine, cheese actively reflects its environment through three primary pillars:
-
The Milk: Animals grazing on wild pastures, alpine herbs, and diverse grasses produce milk with complex flavor precursors. Sheep and goats often contribute gamey, robust undertones, while rich cow’s milk delivers buttery density that carries deep savory notes.
-
The Microflora and Rinds: Many earthy cheeses feature natural rinds cultivated by specific molds, yeasts, and bacteria. Washed-rind cheeses and natural-rind blues develop earthy, fungal profiles—reminiscent of fresh chanterelles, moss, and autumn leaves.
-
The Aging Process: As moisture evaporates over months or years, proteins break down. This process concentrates flavors, yielding deep umami, savory broths, and crunchy tyrosine crystals that contribute to a multi-layered sensory experience.
Iconic Varieties of Earthy, Rich Cheeses
The world of specialty dairy is vast, but certain styles reign supreme when it comes to rich, umami-rich profiles. Here are the varieties every cheese lover should explore:
1. Alpine-Style Cheeses (Comté, Gruyère, Appenzeller)
Hailing from the high-altitude mountain ranges of France, Switzerland, and Austria, Alpine cheeses are legendary. Made from raw cow’s milk when cattle graze on lush summer pastures, these cheeses are aged patiently in mountain caves.
-
Flavor Profile: Nutty (think toasted hazelnuts and brown butter), sweet, and intensely earthy with distinct hints of wild mushroom, roasted onion, and broth.
-
Texture: Dense, smooth, and occasionally crystallized.
2. English Stilton and Artisan Blues
While many blue cheeses can be sharply pungent, styles like traditional British Colston Bassett Stilton lean heavily into a rich, savory, and damp-earth profile rather than pure sharp acidity.
-
Flavor Profile: Deeply savory, robust, peppery, and mushroomy, balanced by a creamy, buttery mouthfeel.
-
Texture: Rich, crumbly, and velvety.
3. Aged Gouda (Boerenkaas)
Young Gouda is notoriously mild and creamy, but true aged Goudas (matured for 18 to 36 months) undergo a miraculous transformation.
-
Flavor Profile: Brimming with butterscotch, toasted pecans, deep caramel, and an underlying earthy mushroom funk.
-
Texture: Extremely firm, granular, and packed with satisfying crunch crystals.
4. Washed-Rind Stinkers (Taleggio, Époisses, Limburger)
Do not let the aroma intimidate you; the washed-rind family delivers some of the most decadent, rich eating experiences in the world. Rinds are regularly washed with brine, beer, or wine, fostering friendly bacteria that create a savory, meaty depth.
-
Flavor Profile: Brothy, meaty, intensely mushroomy, and rustic.
-
Texture: Luscious, gooey, and spoonable at room temperature.
How to Build the Ultimate Earthy Cheese Board
Designing a charcuterie and cheese board centered around rich, earthy cheese requires careful balancing. Because these selections pack a powerful punch, you want accompaniments that complement rather than compete with their complexity.
-
The Foundation: Opt for dense, rustic sourdoughs, walnut-raisin bread, or seeded rye crackers. Their hearty grains echo the earthy notes in the cheese without overwhelming them.
-
Sweet Accompaniments: Dried figs, dates, and tart cherries cut through the rich, fat-heavy profile of aged cheeses.
-
Honey and Preserves: A drizzle of dark buckwheat honey or a dollop of fig jam adds a sweet contrast to funky blues and nutty Alpines.
-
Savory Elements: Toasted Marcona almonds, hazelnuts, or pickled cornichons add necessary crunch and acidity to cleanse the palate between rich bites.
Perfect Wine and Beverage Pairings
Pairing wine and beer with rich, earthy cheese is an art form. The primary goal is to match the intensity of the cheese with a beverage that can cut through its fat and highlight hidden flavor notes.
-
Bold Red Wines: Full-bodied reds like Barolo, Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, or a rustic Chianti Classico stand up brilliantly to the intense umami of aged Goudas and Alpine cheeses.
-
Sweet and Fortified Wines: Port, Sherry, and Sauternes are classic companions for rich blue cheeses and washed-rind varieties. The residual sweetness tames the salt and funk, creating a luxurious harmony.
-
Craft Beers: Robust dark beers like oatmeal stouts, porters, and Belgian Trappist ales are phenomenal with earthy cheeses. The roasted malt characteristics mirror the mushroomy profiles of the cheese seamlessly.
Culinary Uses: Cooking with Earthy Cheese
While these cheeses shine brightly on a grazing board, they can also transform simple home-cooked meals into gourmet masterpieces.
-
Grated Over Pasta: Swap standard parmesan for an aged Pecorino Romano or a long-aged Alpine cheese over wild mushroom risotto or handmade truffle pasta to amplify the umami factor.
-
Elevated Grilled Cheese: Combine sharp aged cheddar or a melting slice of Gruyère with caramelized onions and wild mushrooms for the ultimate gourmet comfort food.
-
Savory Baking: Fold chunks of nutty, aged Gouda into artisanal bread dough or savory scones alongside fresh thyme.
Final Thoughts
Embracing rich, earthy cheese is an invitation to slow down and savor the craftsmanship of food history. From damp, misty European cellars to local artisanal creameries crafting small-batch wheels, these cheeses offer an unmatched sensory journey.
Next time you visit your local cheese monger, step away from the familiar mild blocks and ask to sample something aged, bold, and unapologetically earthy. Your palate will thank you.
The Ultimate Guide to Cheese and Beer Snacks for Football Season
The Ultimate Guide to Cheese and Beer Snacks for Football Season
There is an unspoken rule of autumn: as soon as the crisp fall air rolls in and the television networks cue up that familiar opening football fanfare, your palate starts craving two things above all else—melted cheese and cold beer.
Whether you are hosting a high-stakes tailgate outside the stadium, organizing a couch-bound watch party for your fantasy league, or simply tuning in for the primetime matchup, game day food requires a specific game plan. Enter the ultimate culinary tag team: cheese and beer snacks.
From velvety beer cheese dips to sophisticated pairings that will impress even the most discerning craft beer snobs, this comprehensive guide will walk you through how to elevate your football season snacking. Let’s dive into the playbook.
1. Why Cheese and Beer Belong Together on Game Day
To understand why beer and cheese make such an elite game-day pairing, you have to look at the science of flavor. Both beer and cheese are fermented products, meaning they share complex flavor profiles—ranging from sharp, earthy, and nutty to tangy, sweet, and bitter.
When you incorporate rich cheese and beer snacks into your spread, magic happens. The effervescence and alcohol content of the beer act as a palate cleanser, cutting through the dense, creamy coating of melted cheese on your tongue. This keeps your taste buds refreshed and ready for the next bite, which is crucial when you are grazing through all four quarters.
The Golden Rules of Pairing:
-
Match Intensity: Pair light, mild cheeses (like fresh mozzarella or mild gouda) with light lagers or pilsners. Pair bold, aged cheeses (like sharp cheddar or blue cheese) with robust IPAs or stouts.
-
Complement or Contrast: You can either match flavor notes (like a nutty Swiss with a brown ale) or contrast them (like a salty, sharp cheddar with a sweet, malty amber ale).
2. Playbook Favorite: The Ultimate Hot Beer Cheese Dip
No football spread is complete without a warm, bubbling dip sitting center stage. While store-bought queso has its place, nothing beats a homemade beer cheese dip spiked with your favorite brew and loaded with bacon.
Ingredients for Success:
-
16 oz sharp cheddar cheese (grated fresh for the best melt)
-
1 cup Amber Ale or crisp Pilsner
-
3 tbsp unsalted butter or bacon fat
-
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
-
¼ cup heavy cream
-
2 tsp Dijon mustard
-
Crispy bacon crumbles and sliced white cheddar for decoration
Game-Day Execution:
-
In a medium saucepan, melt your butter or rendered bacon fat over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste (a roux), cooking for about one minute.
-
Slowly pour in your amber ale, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
-
Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, letting the mixture thicken up.
-
Reduce the heat to low. Add your freshly grated sharp cheddar one handful at a time, stirring continuously until completely melted and velvety smooth.
-
Serve warm in a hollowed-out bread bowl or a fun football-shaped dish, topped with smoky bacon bits. Pair these cheese and beer snacks with soft pretzel bites or thick-cut kettle chips.
3. Winning Cheese & Beer Snack Pairings for the Big Game
If you are setting up a snack stadium or a charcuterie board for guests to graze on during a long afternoon of back-to-back games, distinct snack pairings are a massive crowd-pleaser. Try these winning combinations:
| Snack Item | Cheese Companion | Beer Pairing | Why It Works |
| Classic Buffalo Wings | Crumbled Blue Cheese | West Coast or Hazy IPA | The hop bitterness and citrus notes in the IPA cut right through the rich, spicy buffalo sauce. |
| Loaded Nachos & Queso | Queso Blanco & Monterey Jack | Crisp Mexican Lager | Clean and refreshing, a lager keeps the heavy toppings from weighing you down. |
| Soft Pretzels | Sharp Cheddar Beer Spread | Munich-style Dunkel or Amber Ale | The caramel malt flavors in dark lagers accentuate the baked, yeasty crust of the pretzel. |
| Sliders & Burgers | Smoked Gouda or Cheddar | American Pale Ale | Pale ales offer enough malt backbone to stand up to beef without stealing the spotlight. |
-
4. Quick & Easy Game-Day Assembly Ideas
Not everyone has hours to spend in the kitchen before kickoff. If you are strapped for time but still want to deliver elite-tier cheese and beer snacks, use these shortcut assembly ideas:
-
The Beer-Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Sliders: Toss thinly sliced onions into a skillet with a splash of brown ale and butter. Let them simmer until jammy and sweet. Pile them onto slider buns with juicy mini burger patties and a thick slice of melting Gruyère cheese.
-
Beer-Battered Fried Cheese Curds: Head to the freezer aisle or your local butcher for quality cheese curds. Toss them in a quick batter made from flour, spices, and a crisp pilsner, then fry until golden and crispy. Serve with a spicy sriracha ranch.
-
The Ultimate Game-Day Cheese Board: Skip the cooking entirely. Build a board featuring sharp aged white cheddar, creamy brie, spicy pepper jack, and a funky blue cheese. Surround them with water crackers, pepperoni slices, candied pecans, and a bowl of grainy mustard. Match the board with a flight of diverse craft beers so guests can experiment with different flavor combinations.
Score Big This Season
Football season only comes around once a year, meaning every weekend is precious cargo. By swapping out boring snack options for dynamic, flavorful cheese and beer snacks, you guarantee that your home is the ultimate destination for every kickoff.
Whether your team secures a blowout victory or suffers a heartbreaking last-second loss, a table stocked with warm beer cheese, crispy pretzels, and ice-cold brews ensures everyone goes home a winner.
-
Why do we eat moldy cheese?
It’s a question that a lot of cheese lovers will hear: why do we eat moldy cheese?
There are some molds that are safe to eat. These are used to make cheeses such as Brie, Blue Cheese, and Camembert.
For Blue Cheese, Penicillium cultures added creating dark blue or blue-grey veins throughout the cheese. These are safe to eat because they do not produce the toxins that could be harmful to us.
The way that Blue Cheese is aged creates a level of acidity, salinity, moisture, density, temperature, and oxygen flow that cannot create dangerous molds.
In fact, our bodies can use the variety of different properties found in blue cheese to contribute to our healthy digestion.
Blue molds cause a breakdown of proteins in cheese known as proteolysis which creates a very creamy taste and texture. It also breaks down the fats, known as lipolysis, which gives blue cheese the tangy, sharp flavors that people love.
One of the reasons that people love moldy cheese is because these cheese often contain much more salt than other cheeses. Combined with the blue veins and whole milk, this creates a flavor that makes you want to eat more and more.
Blue cheese was discovered almost by accident. Cheeses in Europe were aged in high moisture caves which are also ideal environments to produce mold. Gorgonzola dates back to around 879 AD and Roquefort was invented in 1070. Today, all Roquefort eaten around the world is still made in the small French village where it was invented.
If you love rich, tannic red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir then you are likely to enjoy moldy cheese with it as you like strong flavors. Sometimes, we develop a stronger love for blue cheeses as we age because our taste buds reduce in strength. This means that flavors that we might not have enjoyed in childhood or younger years can become some of our favorite foods. People will often experience this with other strong flavored foods such as olives.
If you are looking to try more blue cheese, enjoy it with crackers or melted into dishes, to begin with. You’ll be able to build up to eating more of it over time. It’s also delicious with Port and Scotch if you are having a cheeseboard after dinner.
So, next time you are asked why you eat moldy cheese, or whether it’s safe to eat, you’ll know how to answer!
Do you like to eat moldy cheese? Let us know how you like to eat it in the comments!
Blue Cheese: Everything You Need to Know
What is blue cheese?
Blue Cheese is a generic term for cheeses that have had Penicillium cultures added creating dark blue or blue-grey veins throughout the cheese. It can be made from cow, sheep, or goat’s milk and is typically aged in a temperature and moisture-controlled environment like a cave.
How was blue cheese discovered?
Blue Cheese is said to have been discovered by accident. Cheeses in Europe were aged in high moisture caves which are also an ideal environment to produce mold. Gorgonzola dates back to around 879 AD and Roquefort was invented in 1070. Subsequent Blue cheeses were invented to fill the demand for Roquefort like cheeses. We prefer Danish blue, as it is more moderate in its sharpness and more creamy.
What does it taste like?
The characteristic flavor of blue cheese is usually sharp and salty, but levels of sharpness vary by region. It can be eaten by itself or crumbled or melted over foods. We know that blue cheese can divide opinion, so we’ve put together a list of tips that will help you to appreciate it!
Serve it at the right temperature
The unique flavor of blue cheese is best appreciated at room temperature to allow the flavors and textures to be enhanced. This goes for most cheeses: they should not be served straight from the fridge if you want to truly enjoy them.
Serve it with the right drinks pairing
Blue cheeses are strong, rustic-flavored cheeses and go best with similarly strong, flavored foods and drinks, and with tannic red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel, and even Port. For beer lovers, the cheese compliments porters and stouts perfectly. It also pairs very well with Scotch, which is why we offer it with our Scotch collection.
Serve it with the right foods
Just as blue cheese deserves strong flavors from drinks, it needs them from food too. One classic combination is cheese with fruit. Pears, figs, and apples all stand up well to the flavor as they each have a sweetness that cuts through the saltiness of the cheese. The earthy quality of mushrooms brings out the same flavors in the cheese and the crunch of celery will contrast with the creaminess of any blue cheese.
It’s just as important to consider texture as well as flavor. Find crunchy foods to pair with the soft texture of the cheese and you’ll find it really stands out.
Start small
If you’re not yet a blue cheese fan, start by trying small pieces as part of a cheeseboard. You’ll gradually be able to move up to crumbling a little into soup or over pasta. In no time you’ll be asking for it on pizza and enjoying it with a glass of port! Let it surprise you. Sometimes we think we might not like something but in the right combination it is our new favorite dish.
Do you think you could become a blue cheese lover? We really do recommend trying our Danish Blue – it’s converted many a customer in the past!
Let us know your favorite blue cheese pairings in the comments!
The Scotch Collection – How to Pair Whisky with Cheese
Want to really wow your guests?
We know that you love to pair wine with our cheeses, and we’ve explored how you might try them with beer, but have you ever thought to pair cheese with scotch?
Read on to find out all about our Scotch Collection and why we think this should be the centerpiece of your next party!
You might not have thought to pair scotch with cheese, but rest assured that it’s a great choice. You’re going to be looking for bolder cheeses with a lot of flavors because these will stand up to the strong flavor of the whisky.
Danish Blue Cheese
Our Danish Blue Cheese has a moderate sharpness and a creamy flavor. Blue cheeses have penicillium cultures added, which create the blue veins that you will see running through the cheese. It is then aged in a temperature and moisture controlled environment like a cave. The unique flavors are best enjoyed at room temperature with fruit and crackers, alongside your scotch.
Gruyere
Gruyere is one of our favorite imported cheeses, originating in the Alpine region between Switzerland and France. It has a sweet, nutty flavor with a slight saltiness. It ages into an earthy, complex cheese. It’s great for baking and melting, as well as served with crackers. If you’re looking to serve something more substantial with your scotch, consider serving a quiche using gruyere, a fondue, or even a French onion soup topped with gruyere croutons.
Cheddar
Cheddar was first produced in England as early as 1170 and originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It would be aged in the nearby caves of Cheddar Gorge. It has a sharp, pungent flavor with a firm, slightly crumbly texture. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed with a huge variety of drinks, including Scotch.
Parmesan
Parmesan is an Italian cheese with a complex, sharp, and nutty flavor. It has a slightly grainy texture and works well with pasta, risotto, or soup when grated. You may not have included it in your cheese boards before, but you can be confident that it’s a great choice. Because of its strong flavor, it pairs extremely well with the strength and smokiness of a good whisky.
Choosing your whisky
To pair with this cheese collection, you are looking to get a scotch whisky, rather than a bourbon. If you have a favorite, then select that or one from the same region as you’re likely to find a similar flavor. If your friends are whisky connoisseurs too, why not ask them to bring a bottle and then you can compare flavors?
If you’re entertaining, this collection should serve up to 20 guests. If you have guests who do not drink whisky, grab some craft beers. The barley flavors of both drinks will work well with the cheeses from the Scotch Collection so no-one will be disappointed. You could also pick up some salty snacks such as nuts, hot mix or chips, and some dark chocolate as a sweet treat. These will pair well with the scotch and give you even more flavors to explore.
Now that you know all about the cheeses, don’t delay. Order our Scotch Collection today.
Create A Cheese Board Perfect For Fall
Let’s be honest… it isn’t a party until there’s a cheese board included. This season is one of the best for warm cozy nights followed by a bottle of wine with a delicious cheese board amongst friends.
The most important part of a Fall cheese board is white cheese, but let’s begin with all of the other festive components of our board that is needed before assembling.
The first component is honey. At Shisler’s Cheese House we stock Pure Clover Honey Comb which is perfect for this board. It pairs well with many different kinds of cheese, especially goat cheese.
Fresh fruit definitely gives a fall vibe and flavor. Using a fresh mix of figs and grapes give that whole harvest feel and they go well with cheese.
Nuts is another important component of our board. There are no specific nuts advised, it is all based on your personal preference. Personally, we like to add some Marcona almonds and candied walnuts to our cheese board. The almonds give off a savory flavor whereas the walnuts have notes of sweetness to them from the candying process. This makes them a match made in cheese board heaven.
We always need something a little brim on our board, Olives add that perfect effect. Castelvetrano Olives, in particular, tend to be a good pick.
Finally, crackers and breadsticks. Can’t go wrong with cheese and crackers. Going back to childhood, cheese and crackers were always a delicious snack- nothing changes! Pick out a few different types of crackers in all shapes, flavors, and sizes to give the board some personality.
Now to get into the cheese! Each board needs a variety of cheese.
Firstly, aged cheese. An aged White Cheddar from our website is a delicious addition to our Fall cheese board. The little crystals that develop within the cheese during the aging process give the cheese an extra crunch, which complements the next cheese in particular, really well.
Next, we need a soft cheese. Goat cheese is ideal for this. You need to absolutely try this cheese with the honey, it will change your life!
What is a cheese board without a Blue Cheese? Exactly. Any blue will work for this addition, but at Shisler’s we recommend our Danish Blue. The flavor isn’t completely overwhelming and makes a perfect contrast to go with the other cheeses.
The last cheese needed for a cheese board is, of course, a firm one. A particular favorite to use is our Smoked Cheddar. The flavor is sharp and pungent with a firm texture. Not only that, it adds some Fall color to the board, which is perfect as it is a Fall board after all!
Now that you have all you need, you can get started assembling your board! Get yourself a big board and start arranging it how you like. It’s important to keep the presentation simple and bountiful. Tuck the cheeses into each other and then add your fresh fruit when you need to add some color. Your board is then ready for all of your Fall entertainment!
Cheesemaking: How To Make Bleu d’Auvergne
It is not recommended to make this cheese unless you have made a few other kinds of cheese in the past for experience. The cheese needs to be around 4-5 lbs to develop a good blue.
However, if you are wanting a smaller version, you can change the scale down from 5 gallons to 2 gallons:
2 gallons of milk (Not UltraPasteurized)
1/16tsp MM100, 1/32tsp TA061, 1/16tsp P.roqueforti culture
Liquid Rennet (1/8tsp)
Colander and butter muslin to drain the curds
Small Cheese Mold (the curd may initially mound over the top but will settle with the lightweight suggested here)
For a 2 gallon recipe, I suggest a 4-5 lb. weight, only enough to settle the curds, not enough to consolidate them. For a 5 gallon batch, no weight is needed.
Salt non-iodized medium grain
Recipe
