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A few simple rules when pairing beer and cheese compiled by cheese artisans throughout the country include:
Contrast: It's all about the texture
• Light beers contrast the richness of soft, bloomy-rind cheeses such as a triple-cream Brie by cutting through and lifting the cream off the tongue.
• The lift comes from beer's natural carbonation and delicate, balanced hopping.
• Best paired with a light lager such as Michelob Light.
Complement: It's all about the harmony
• Complement more flavorful and complex cheeses such as aged cheddar with full-flavored lagers.
• These beers will play off the nutty character of the cheese and the elegant hopping will balance the buttery, smooth texture of the cheddar.
• Best paired with American lagers such as Michelob or Budweiser Select.
Balance: It's all about stability
• Balance is important. The cheese should not overpower the beer or vice versa.
• Ales and some darker lagers can be fruity, malty sweet, robust and hoppy. Their substantial body and assertive hopping can stand up to big, smoky cheeses such as a semisoft, smoked Roquefort-style blue.
• Best paired with a stout or a bock, such as Michelob AmberBock.
Don't forget to add wheat crackers, rustic breads, roasted hazelnuts, almonds, green apples, pears and preserves to your customized cheese spread.
For more information, visit www.herestobeer.com.
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