The Perfect Pairing: The Macallan and Cheese

Wine and cheese is a pairing that’s as ubiquitous as peanut butter and jelly. But what about whisky and cheese? Or, better yet, The Mac(allan) and cheese?

The Macallan recently released “The Definitive Guide to Pairing The Macallan and Fine Cheese,” an all-encompassing booklet that details serving and sharing different The Macallan expressions and artisan cheeses.

The Macallan has a diverse portfolio that harmonizes well with various styles of cheese, making The Mac(allan) and cheese the perfect pairing.

The below pairing recommendations are courtesy of the aforementioned pairing guide, along with our own suggestions. 

 

Double Cask 12 Years Old

Flavor profile: Butterscotch, vanilla custard and candied orange on the nose; honey, spices, citrus, raisin and caramel to taste

The Macallan’s Pairing: Young Manchego, French sheep’s milk cheese or any earthy pecorino
Why theirs works: This rich, mellow sheep’s milk cheese cuts through the spice and citrus notes within Double Cask 12 Years Old, while enhancing the notes of honey and vanilla custard.

Breakthru’s pairing: Muenster, Monterey Jack
Why ours works: Muenster is a soft, smooth cheese gets its orangey color from anatto, a sweet and nutty seasoning that complements the butterscotch and caramel flavors.

 

Sherry Oak 12 Years Old

Flavor profile: Vanilla, ginger and dried fruits on the nose; dried fruit, Sherry, wood smoke and spice to taste

The Macallan’s pairing: Aged gruyere, Challerhocker and savory Alpine cheeses
Why theirs works: Alpine cheese typically leads with hints of caramelized onion, roasted garlic and sweet nutty notes. These flavors pair perfectly with the mellow wood smoke and dried fruit notes.

Breakthru’s pairing: Raclette, Asiago
Why ours works: Typically served melted, raclette has nutty, milky flavor that balances well with the notes of dried fruit and wood smoke.

 

Triple Cask Matured 15 Years Old

Flavor profile: Rose petal and cinnamon on the nose; rich chocolate, citrus, orange and raisin to taste

The Macallan’s pairing: Mellow blue cheese, rich buttery blues or Bavarian blue cheese
Why theirs works: The salty, buttery flavors found in mellow blue cheeses are a delicious contrast to the Triple Cask Matured 15 Years Old’s floral and citrusy notes. It’s a perfect example of opposites attracting.

Breakthru’s pairing: Cotija, Feta
Why ours works: Cotija is a crumbly cheese that has a flavor profile that resembles blue cheese and parmigiano-reggiano. The salty flavor will help bring out the whiffs of chocolate, orange and citrus.

Rare Cask

Flavor profile: Vanilla, raisins, chocolate, citrus fruits and spices on the nose; nutty spices, raisins and citrus to taste
Macallan’s pairing: Camembert, classic brie or soft-ripened triple crème cheese

The Macallan’s pairing: Camembert, classic brie or soft-ripened triple crème cheese
Why theirs works: This funky, bloomy-rinded cheese has sweet, floral notes that bring out Rare Cask’s hints of maple syrup and candied nuts. The notes of vanilla and citrus also help to cut through the cheese’s richness.

Breakthru’s pairing: Edam, Burrata
Why ours works: Edam is a pale-yellow cheese from Holland is relatively mild and usually pairs well peaches, apricots, cherries and melons. Tts nutty and salty notes further enhance Rare Cask’s nutty spices and notes of vanilla and raisin.

 If you’d like to study The Macallan’s official cheese pairings, you can find the booklet here.

Images courtesy of The Edrington Group