Whisky and cheese pairings: a gourmet guide

What’s better than finding that perfect, indulgent snacking combo for a relaxed evening in or a dinner date with friends?

That’s right, NOTHING! Food and whisky are the way to many whisky lovers' hearts. But if you’re tired of the same old snacking combos and you’re looking for some inspiration, you should try out some of our cheese and whisky pairings. 

It’s a great way to uplift your whisky tasting or game nights and discover new, delicious flavours by experimenting with various cheeses. 

So, continue to discover the boldest flavour matches for your next tasting night…

If you’re looking to make those nights in much more enjoyable, take a look at our whisky tasting sets. With various whiskies to choose from, it’s the perfect way to jazz up your routine or gift your loved one something they’ll cherish.

What makes a good whisky and cheese match?

Picture this. 

You’re sitting by the fire in your favourite armchair with a drink in hand. The rain is pattering against the windows, and you’ve got an assortment of cheese on a charcuterie board on the table in front of you. 

With each sip, underlying notes are revealed, coating your tongue with rich and tasty flavours. While wine is more often than not the drink of choice for cheese boards, more and more people are finding out just how perfect whisky is when paired with cheese. 

But what exactly makes that perfect whisky-cheese combo?

• Balanced flavours: you don’t want your whisky to overpower the cheese or a bold cheese to conceal the nuance of a finely aged single malt.
• Contrast vs complement: sometimes similar flavours work well together, while drastically different flavours can create an unexpected pairing. You can experiment to find what works best for you. 
• Clean palate: if you’re trying different pairings with lingering flavours in your mouth, you won’t be able to get a real feel for its taste. So, keep some water and plain crackers to hand to cleanse your palate after every pairing. 
• Texture matters: the mouthfeel of both whisky and cheese can impact the pairing. Creamy cheese complements spice well, while crumbly cheese pairs well with sweet whiskies. We suggest starting with light and creamy cheeses, then building up to firmer cheeses and fuller-bodied whiskies.

While there are popular whisky and cheese pairings that many have found work well together, every person's taste is different. What works for someone else may not work for you. 

That’s why, when it comes to whisky and cheese pairings, it’s good to use these ideas as a starting point and experiment with your own palate. You never know; you may stumble upon the next best creation!

7 Best whisky and cheese pairings to try

So, if you’re ready to add a fun, fresh twist to your whisky tasting sessions, we’ve got some delicious cheese and whisky pairings for you to try out. 

While whisky and cheese pairing is still a niche, it’s a match made in heaven when done right. Plus, we’re sure it’ll rise in popularity soon, as more and more people give it a go.

1. Smoked cheddar + Islay single malt

Islay whiskies (think Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Lagavulin) are known for their deep peaty punch, with notes of smoke, sea salt, and even iodine.

For this reason, a bolder cheese will complement it beautifully. With its deep smokiness and firm, crumbly finish, smoked cheddar mirrors the peat in the whisky, bringing out its earthy undertones. The whisky’s underlying sweetness softens the cheese’s bite.

Try it with: Ardbeg 10 Year Old or Lagavulin 16
Serving tip: Add apple chutney or caramelised shallots for some sweetness

2. Blue cheese + peated whisky

It’s true that blue cheese is an acquired taste, but those who feel brave enough will reap all the benefits of this pairing made in heaven. 

Blue cheeses such as Stilton, Roquefort, or Gorgonzola are known for their strong aroma, sharp saltiness, and creamy yet crumbly texture. Since it’s a powerful and adventurous food on its own, it needs to be balanced with a delicate whisky.

That’s where peated whiskies, especially from Islay, step in, with layers of smoke and spice and a sweet backbone that cuts through the intensity.

Try it with: Laphroaig Quarter Cask or Talisker 10

Serving tip: Pair with plain crackers or crusty bread

3. Goat’s cheese + highland single malt

Fresh and tangy, goat's cheese has a grassy taste that is perfect for those who love matcha or greens.

When eaten alongside a Highland single malt, the acidity of the cheese cuts gently through the soft fruitiness of the whisky, opening up its floral notes and subtle spice. Look for a Highland dram with citrus or honey notes to highlight the creaminess of the cheese.

Try it with: Dalwhinnie 15 or Aberfeldy 12

Serving tip: Add some crusty bread and a drizzle of honey to round it out

4. Clothbound cheddar + bourbon

Bourbon comes with underlying notes of caramel and vanilla, creating a sweeter drink for those who prefer lighter whiskies. 

When you pair this with a mature clothbound cheddar, the crumbly texture, tangy sharpness, and nutty undertones contrast well with the vanilla, toffee, and spice. 

Try it with: Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve

Serving tip: Add apple slices or spiced chutney for a refreshing lift

5. Brie + speyside whisky

This is a great pairing for those new to whisky and cheese combinations. 

Brie is soft, buttery, and mellow, perfect for those who prefer a subtle taste. When paired with Speyside whisky, known for its fruity taste and light mouthfeel, it creates a soft, delicate pairing. 

Plus, the notes of green apple, pear, honey, and light spice in Speyside whiskies complement the earthy notes of Brie beautifully. 

Try it with: Glenfiddich 12 or Glenlivet 12
Serving tip: Serve the Brie at room temperature with plain crackers or thin slices of green apple

6. Aged Gouda + sherried whisky

If you’re someone with a sweet tooth, aged Gouda and sherried whisky are perfect for recreating the delicacy of dessert.

Aged Gouda is rich and crumbly with caramelised notes, protein crystals, and a deeply savoury, nutty taste. 

We suggest pairing this with sherried whiskies matured in Oloroso casks, as the bold notes of dried fruit, spice, and dark chocolate blend with the cheese for an indulgent finish.

Try it with: GlenDronach 15 or Aberlour A’Bunadh

Serving tip: Add a square of dark chocolate or toasted nuts on the side

7. Bloomy rind cheese + Irish whisky

If you’re looking for something light and floral, then try pairing bloomy rind cheese with an Irish whisky. 

Cheeses like Camembert or soft-rind goat cheeses are creamy with slightly earthy undertones and a mushroom-like exterior. 

When paired with a vanilla or citrus Irish whisky, the soft, round texture of the cheese mirrors the mellow warmth of the whisky, bringing out its biscuity and fruity profiles.

Try it with: Redbreast 12 or Jameson Black Barrel

Serving tip: Serve with seeded crackers and pear slices

Avoid these whisky and cheese pairing mistakes

As a first-timer, you’re bound to make a few mistakes along the way. But we’re here to make sure your tasting night doesn’t turn into a shambles.

While it’s natural to want to go big (or go home) on your first whisky and cheese pairing test, doing so will likely knock your palate sideways before you've even started. 

For this reason, trying blue cheese, especially if you’ve never eaten it before, with a punchy Islay whisky is a big no-no. Instead, start with lighter cheeses and whiskies, then gradually work your way up to the bolder choices.

That segues us into our next point: filling your board with punchy cheeses and strong whiskies only. Going too far in one direction can overwhelm your taste buds and lead to a lack of variety. Soon, the pairings will get tiring and fast. 

Here’s a quick-fire list of things you WANT to be doing for a successful night:

1. Take cheeses out of the fridge 30–60 minutes before serving.
2. Keep it simple with a few cheeses and plain crackers rather than cluttering the board with figs and pickles.
3. Try a spicy dram to cut through creamy cheeses, and pair richer whiskies with firm, nutty cheeses.
4. Don’t let the whiskies warm up in your hands, especially if it’s a high ABV dram; it'll start to burn rather than open up.
5. Jot down all of the notes that are revealed to document your favourite pairings. 

Experiment with our curated whisky tasting sets

If you’re looking to experiment with new whiskies while trying out our cheese pairings, why not indulge in a miniature whisky tasting set?

When you purchase with Whisky Tasting Company, you’ll receive five beautiful bottles of whiskies, including stunning concoctions from Japan, Scotland, and across the world. It’s the perfect way to find your new favourite whiskies without splashing out on one big bottle. 

Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy a scenic whisky tasting mat and five tasting cards to build up your knowledge of each whisky profile. 

If you want more from your purchase, why not keep the fun going with a whisky subscription?