Running a business that specializes in artisanal cheese is a labor of love. It's a journey filled with hard work, dedication, and countless hours of tasting and experimenting. But it's a journey I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. One of the most exciting aspects of our work is discovering the perfect pairings for our diverse range of cheeses, whether with other cheeses, wines, baked goods, or even fine spirits. And on a recent beautiful summer night I had the pleasure of experiencing an exquisite pairing of three Artisanal cheeses with Johnnie Walker Black Label.
The experience was nothing short of magnificent, and I'm excited to share some of our favorite pairings from that memorable evening.
First on our tasting journey was Keen's Cheddar, a cheese known for its firm texture and robust grassy flavor. This cheddar proved to be a perfect companion to the smoky and peaty notes of Johnnie Walker Black Label. For those who appreciate the complexity of both cheese and whisky, sipping the Johnnie Walker neat or with a single ice cube is a must to fully appreciate the intricate layers at play.
Our next pairing featured a 4-year aged Gouda, celebrated for its deep caramel color and sweet, crunchy crystalline texture. This cheese's subtle sweetness beautifully complemented the smoothness of the whisky, and the butterscotch finish of the Gouda harmonized with the rich, malted notes in the whisky. Sip the whisky alongside bites of Gouda to experience the delightful interplay of flavors, and you'll understand why this pairing is so enjoyable.
For those who crave bold flavors and intriguing contrasts, Fourme d'Ambert, a great cow’s milk blue cheese from France met its perfect match with Johnnie Walker Black Label. The creamy and mildly nutty blue cheese profile paired intriguingly with the whisky's peaty and smoky character. The whisky's earthy notes provided a nice contrast to the creamy texture and mild flavors of the blue cheese. But we took this pairing one step further and enjoyed some on a warm slice of Artisanal’s new Chocolate Cherry Sourdough Bread that introduced a delightful element of sweetness and tart from the cherries and great texture to our tasting experience.
I have enjoyed Johnnie Walker Black my entire adult life and the three cheeses we tasted are my absolute favorite cheeses with this scotch. Whether you're a cheese enthusiast, a whisky connoisseur, or simply someone who enjoys the finer things in life, this pairing adventure is one worth embarking on. So, gather your favorite cheeses and people to be with, pour a glass, and savor the delightful interplay of flavors that await you.
Dan Dowe
Owner and President