Autumn is fast approaching, so we'd like to take a moment to discuss one of our favorite beverages to enjoy with cheese: cider. Artisan ciders have come a long way from their cloyingly sweet ancestors. Today's offerings include a wide range of dry, tart, and even funky ciders.
The palate-cleansing effervescence and acidity make them an ideal companion to cheese. Here are 5 of our favorite cheeses to enjoy with cider.
1. Le Pommier Camembert
This classic Camembert has a little bit of earthy funk and a luscious, creamy texture. It comes from Normandy, a region as famous for its cheese as it is for its cider orchards. It's a match made in heaven, a pairing that proves that what grows together goes together.
2. Harbison from Jasper Hill Farm
One of our favorite cheeses year-round, we especially love this bark-wrapped cheese in the autumn. The rich mouthfeel and woodsy flavor profile make for an exceptional pairing with craft cider. Look for one that's unfiltered, which will tease out the complex notes in this Vermont cheese.
3. Bandaged Cheddar from Bleu Mont Dairy
Cheddar and apples are a fool-proof pairing, and this coupling takes it to the next level. A dry, crumbly cheddar like this clothbound Wisconsin classic is a perfect counterpoint to a fruity cider with a creamy mouthfeel. We love how they match with the earthy notes in bandaged cheddars.
4. Lamb Chopper from Cypress Grove
We love the nutty sweetness of an aged sheep's milk cheese. Lamb Chopper is especially creamy, which works well with the effervescence in cider. Try it with a funky cider from the Basque region, which creates a long, savory finish when paired with sheep's milk cheeses.
5. Rogue River Blue from Rogue Creamery
Wrapped in pear brandy-soaked Syrah leaves, this ephemeral blue is made for pairing with festive beverages. It only comes out in the winter months, but it's worth the wait. With a luxurious texture and gentle boozy flavors, Rogue River Blue is exceptionally delicious alongside pear cider.