What Cheese Pairs Best With Dark Beer?

Beer and cheese share a very close relationship, and are made up of very similar components. It is no surprise that they pair very well together, and can make for some delicious snack or dining options. Some of the best beers to pair with cheese, are the rich and dark beers from regions that are also famous for their cheeses, like Germany and Sweden. Pairing dark beers with cheeses is a bit more of an exact science than wine and cheese however, as some cheeses can bring out a very bitter and unsavory flavor in some beers. Here are some cheeses that will work well with these deliciously hoppy beverages.

Goat Cheeses:

The goat cheeses are particularly well suited to the acidity of the dark beers. The creaminess holds onto a lot of the sweetness that is lost under the bitterness of a good dark beer. The beer also whisks away some of the creamy residue that goat cheeses can leave behind in your mouth, making the combination and interesting palette cleanser. This combination is perfect for those who may not have liked dark beers in the past, as it brings out levels of richness they may not have noticed before.

Triple Cream:

This thick and buttery cheese is not for everyone, but mixing it with dark beers is like a match made in heaven. The biggest complaint about this cheese, is that the creaminess lingers for too long on the palate. Well, the dark beers whisk this away in one delicious drink, leaving a wonderful flavor behind. The beer also compliments the hidden sweetness of the triple cream cheese, making this pairing very tasty for a dessert setting. Very little compares to the deliciousness of these two, and most conscious of both overlook this combination.

Blue Cheese:

The rich and unique flavors of blue cheeses suit dark beers perfectly. The complexities of both really shine when they are paired. The bitter, hoppy flavors of the dark beers are particularly pronounced in this pair. The creamier blue cheeses are the best for a dark beer pairing as well, as they are not whisked away as easily as some other thinner cheeses. If you have a weak stomach or palate however, this combination may not be for you, as the flavors can be very powerful when combined. Test in a small amount to ensure that you will enjoy it before diving right in full force.