Specialty beer & cheese: the ultimate flavour combination
Beer and cheese — a match made in heaven. While wine often steals the spotlight, beer offers a much wider range of flavours: from crisp and fruity to dark and malty.
Here are five beers that pair perfectly with cheese, complete with tasting notes and easy pairing ideas you can try at home.
🧀 1. Tripel & Aged Cheese
Balance meets boldness
A Belgian Tripel (like Westmalle Tripel or our own VAT'33 Sloppy Joe) is rich, slightly sweet and spicy. It pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses such as mature Gouda or farmhouse cheese aged over 24 months.
Why it works:
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The spicy character complements the umami of aged cheese
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The subtle sweetness balances the salty richness
👉 Try our Tripel Beers
🧀 2. IPA & Blue Cheese
A bold yet beautiful combination
A India Pale Ale (IPA) is known for its hoppy bitterness and fruity aromas. These strong flavours balance the sharpness of blue cheese like Roquefort or Danish Blue.
Why it works:
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Bitterness cuts through the salt
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Citrus notes refresh the palate
👉 Explore our IPA selection for your next cheese board!
🧀 3. Dubbel & Creamy Brie
Smooth meets rich
The Belgian Dubbel brings caramel and roasted malt notes, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy texture of Brie or Camembert.
Why it works:
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Sweetness balances the creaminess
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Light carbonation refreshes between bites
👉 Discover our Dark Beers for this indulgent match.
🧀 4. Saison & Goat Cheese
Crisp, herbal, and balanced
A Saison is dry, peppery, and slightly fruity — an ideal partner for goat cheese. This combo feels fresh and complex, perfect for spring or summer.
Why it works:
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Dryness cuts through the tangy cheese
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Spicy notes add depth and complexity
👉 Try our Saison beers with fresh goat cheese or a honey salad.
🧀 5. Stout & Smoked Cheese
An intense and satisfying finish
A Stout or Porter with notes of coffee and cocoa pairs perfectly with smoked cheese or aged cheddar. The roasted malt complements the smoky flavours beautifully.
Why it works:
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Roasted malt enhances smokiness
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Bitterness balances the fat and salt
👉 Explore our Stout Beers for your next bold tasting.
🧡 Bonus: Host Your Own Beer & Cheese Tasting
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Start light and move to heavier flavours
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Serve cheese at room temperature
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Use small tasting glasses (around 150ml)
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Write notes about aroma, bitterness and texture