A British Cheese & Craft Cider Pairing Guide: Beyond Cheddar & Scrumpy

Britain boasts a remarkable range of cheeses and ciders, each with unique characteristics shaped by local terroir and traditional techniques. While cheddar and scrumpy is a classic, limiting yourself to that pairing means missing out on a world of flavour possibilities. This guide will help you navigate the delicious landscape of British cheese and craft cider, offering expert pairings to elevate your next tasting session.

Understanding the Players: Cheese & Cider Styles

Before diving into specific pairings, let's briefly explore the key cheese and cider styles you'll encounter:

Cheese Styles:

Cheddar: From mild to extra mature, cheddar offers diverse flavour profiles. Look for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar for the most authentic experience.
Cornish Yarg: A semi-hard cheese wrapped in nettle leaves, adding a distinctive earthy flavour.
Lincolnshire Poacher: A hard cheese with a nutty, complex flavour, often compared to a Swiss Gruyère.
Stilton: A creamy blue cheese with a pungent aroma and rich flavour.
Wensleydale: A crumbly, slightly sweet cheese, often found with cranberries or other fruits.
Brie/Camembert: Soft, creamy cheeses with a bloomy rind and delicate flavour.

Cider Styles:

Dry Cider: Crisp, tart, and refreshing, with minimal residual sweetness.
Medium Cider: A balanced cider with a touch of sweetness and fruitiness.
Sweet Cider: Noticeably sweet, often with strong apple flavours.
Keeved Cider: Made using a traditional keeving process, resulting in a naturally sweet, complex cider with a lower alcohol content.
Bittersweet Cider: Made from bittersweet apples, these ciders are rich in tannins, creating a complex, slightly bitter flavour.

Perfect Pairings: Tasting Notes & Recommendations

Now for the fun part! Here are some specific pairings to try:

West Country Farmhouse Cheddar & Dry Cider: The sharpness of the cheddar is beautifully balanced by the crisp acidity of a dry cider. Look for a cider with notes of green apple and citrus.
Cornish Yarg & Medium Cider: The earthy notes of the Yarg are complemented by the fruity sweetness of a medium cider. A cider with hints of pear or honey would be ideal.
Lincolnshire Poacher & Bittersweet Cider: The nutty, complex flavour of Lincolnshire Poacher pairs wonderfully with the rich tannins and subtle bitterness of a bittersweet cider. This is a bold pairing for adventurous palates.
Stilton & Sweet Cider: The strong, pungent flavour of Stilton is a classic match for sweet cider. The sweetness cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a harmonious balance.
Wensleydale & Keeved Cider: The crumbly texture and slight sweetness of Wensleydale are enhanced by the natural sweetness and complex flavours of a keeved cider.
Brie/Camembert & Sparkling Cider: The creamy texture and delicate flavour of Brie or Camembert are beautifully complemented by the effervescence and light fruitiness of a sparkling cider.

Tips for Your Tasting Experience

To make the most of your cheese and cider pairing, consider these tips:

Serve cheese at room temperature: This allows the flavours to fully develop.
Chill cider appropriately: Most ciders are best served chilled, but not ice-cold.
Start with lighter pairings: Progress to bolder flavours as you move through the tasting.
Use plain crackers or bread: These act as a neutral palate cleanser between pairings.
Take notes: Record your impressions of each pairing to discover your personal favourites.

With a little experimentation, you'll discover a world of delicious British cheese and craft cider pairings. So, ditch the cheddar and scrumpy rut and embark on a flavour adventure!