St. Patrick's Day is a time for gathering with friends, enjoying a glass of beer, and enjoying flavorful, traditional Irish dishes. Pairing your beer with artisan cheese is a delicious way to add richness and variety to this year's celebrations.
We recommend enjoying lighter cheeses, like Havarti, with beers of similar crispness, and more intense cheeses, like Maytag Blue or 12-Year Aged Cheddar, with full-bodied drinks that balance their bold flavor.
From rich and tangy to mild and refreshing, the right combinations bring our the best in every bite. This St. Patrick's Day, we've rounded up some of our favorite beer and cheese pairings, helping you create a festive flavorful spread.
Maytag Blue Cheese & Stout
Notes: velvety, bold, & creamy
Starting with a classic, Maytag Blue Cheese and a stout are a perfect match. Maytag Blue is a unique cheese with bold flavor, which calls for a drink that can match its intensity. The roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee notes from a stout complement the savory, salty richness of Maytag Blue Cheese. Both the cheese and beer are creamy and smooth, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. For the ultimate St. Patrick's Day pairing, this combination is a must-try.
7-Year Aged Cheddar & IPA
Notes: sharp, citrusy, & hoppy
Another favorite is 7-Year Aged Cheddar paired with a refreshing IPA. This cheddar is sharp, crumbly, and deeply savory, and pairing it with a bitter, refreshing beer creates a well-balanced contrast. The citrusy notes of the IPA cuts through the richness of the 7-Year Aged Cheddar, making every bite satisfying.
Aged Gouda & Porter
Notes: nutty, toasted, & savory
If you're looking for a rich, nutty pairing, try Aged Gouda with a porter. As a result of its 2-year aging process, Aged Gouda boasts deep caramel, toffee, and umami notes. Pairing it with the roasted malt and slightly fruity notes of a porter results in a full-bodied, sophisticated combination perfect for those who love bold flavor.
Havarti & Lager
Notes: clean, crisp, & buttery
For a lighter pairing that refreshes the palate, we recommend Havarti and a crisp lager. The buttery, mild flavor of Havarti is complemented by the clean, slightly sweet lager. Add some fresh apples, pears, or walnuts to this pairing for a simple snack worth sharing.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread & Amber Ale
Notes: balanced & tangy
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread and Amber Ale are loved for their versatility and approachable taste. This creamy, savory spread pairs well with the full-flavored, slightly nutty Amber Ale. This combination is also a great base in creating our Spicy Beer Cheese Dip, perfect for serving at your St. Patrick's Day gatherings.
Gather your friends this St. Patrick's Day and discover your new favorite beer and cheese pairings! From our favorite curated selections to your own creations, these combinations featuring Maytag cheeses will bring bold flavor to your celebrations.
