What Are The Best Cheeses For A Cheese Tasting Party?

If you are looking for the best cheeses for your cheese tasting party then you know that selection is not usually the problem. The real problem is selecting the best types while keeping your guests happy and tasting different types of flavors and textures. You do not have to be a cheese connoisseur to be able to pick great cheese. Knowing the cheese flavor and texture before you pick it, however, is essential as without that knowledge you could end up picking cheeses that taste or feel the same. Here are some of the cheeses you may want to include in your cheese tasting party.

Gouda

Gouda cheese is as good as it gets because of its balance. Gouda gives you a balance of sweet and salty at the same time. It is crunchy and flaky with a caramel color. Dutch gouda just oozes flavor with a touch of butterscotch with each taste. Aged gouda can go great with fruity white wines or with cabernet. Gouda is actually not that expensive and your guests will be thrilled with the flavor and texture.
Bijou Goat’s Cheese

Bijou goat’s cheese is the type of cheese that is found in the kitchens of some of the best chefs in the country. In French the word bijou means “jewel” and this cheese lives up to the name. The texture is semi-firm and you can feel the tang of any other fresh goat milk cheese. The only problem with bijou goat’s cheese is that people may make it disappear before everybody has a chance to taste it. Try pairing bijou goat’s cheese with Sauvignon Blanc as it is one of the best combinations you can possibly serve.

Brie De Nangis

Brie de Nangis comes from Brie which is located to the southwest of the city of Paris. Its flavor is mild and buttery. The cheese almost saw its production stopped but it has made a great comeback. With age the center of brie de Nangis becomes a bit runny but its texture is smooth and creamy with a chalky center. The best companion for brie de Nangis is Chardonnay as it brings out the rich flavor of the cheese. You can also serve it with fruit, either kiwis, pears and in some cases berry compost.

Smoked And Aged Cheeses

There are many cheeses that will add to a cheese tasting party. Try adding at least one or two varieties that are smoked. Smoked Provolone, Smoked Swiss, or Smoked Cheddar can be a perfect accompaniment for the party. In addition having aged sharp cheddar and an aged Swiss along for some tangy variety at your gathering will round out the flavors nicely. Finally, don’t forget some fresh fruit, veggies, crackers, olives or nuts. You’ll want to break up the tasting with some other foods to clean the palate.