Artisanal Mead and Cheese Pairings: Take Your Tastebuds On A Journey Through Time
For all the flavour fanatics out there: are you ready to take your tastebuds on a journey through time? Buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into the ancient yet totally trendy world of mead and cheese pairings.
Yes, you heard that right—mead and cheese.
No one saw the resurgence of this power pair, yet the combo has arrived, and it’s here to stay!
Let’s dust off this ancient match and give it a sassy, modern twist, shall we?
The Magic of Mead
First things first, let’s talk about mead, the OG of alcoholic beverages. Think of it as honey’s rebellious cousin that’s been around since, well, forever.
It’s been enjoyed by everyone from Viking warriors to Greek philosophers. Fast forward to today, and mead has had a serious glow-up in the craft beverage scene.
Made from fermented honey, water, and sometimes fruits, spices, or herbs, it’s like sipping on a piece of history.
Pairing Principles
Before we get to the good stuff, let’s familiarise ourselves with the basics. The goal is to achieve balance, where sweet meets salty and creamy meets crisp. It’s like a matchmaking service for your tastebuds.
Traditional Mead with Aged Cheddar
First up, we’ve got the classic traditional mead. Its sweet, floral notes are the perfect partner for the sharp, nutty flavours of aged cheddar. The honey-like goodness of the mead cuts through the richness of the cheddar, creating what can only be described as a flavour-gasm.
Pour yourself 50 ml of traditional mead, grab a chunk of aged cheddar, and let the flavour fireworks begin (you don’t even need to care about safety with these fireworks!)
Spiced Mead with Blue Cheese
For those who like a little spice in their life, spiced mead is sure to be your new jam. Think cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg all cozied up in a honeyed blanket.
Pair this bad boy with the bold, tangy flavours of blue cheese and you’ve got a winner on your hands.
Serve 50 ml of spiced mead alongside a generous chunk of blue cheese, and watch your guests’ eyes light up (now whether that’s from the exquisite pairing or the smell, we’ll let it remain a mystery).
Fruit Mead with Brie
For those with a sweet tooth, a fruit mead is the direction you should be headed in—raspberry, blackberry, or cherry, you can take your pick.
These fruity meads are the perfect companions to creamy, buttery Brie. The tartness of the fruit cuts through the rich, creamy texture of the Brie, creating a much-needed contrast.
Pour 50 ml of fruit mead and enjoy it with a slice of Brie.
Herb-Infused Mead with Goat Cheese
Herb-infused mead, often featuring rosemary, thyme, or basil, pairs exquisitely with the tangy, earthy flavours of goat cheese (yum and yum). Pour 50 ml of herb-infused mead and savour it with a dollop of goat cheese on a cracker — ah, perfection.
Ginger Mead with Gouda
Rounding off our list—let’s bring in some spicy zing with ginger mead. Its spicy, slightly sweet flavour profile pairs wonderfully with the caramel notes of Gouda.
Pour 50 ml of ginger mead and enjoy it with a slice of Gouda. Definitely get ready for a flavour explosion.
