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CONTACT:
Lucy Saunders
beercook.com
4230 N. Oakland #178
Shorewood WI
53211 USA
lucy
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About Beer and Cheese

From the combination of Cheddar and ale in a British pub lunch, to the modern American menu of pizza and beer, cheese and a beer make a classic pair. Widmer Cheese Cellars, Theresa, WI
Taste a cheese with beer and you will experience a complement, contrast, or even a new flavor combination on the palate.

Beer is much less acidic than wine - so that pairing beer with cheese is a mostly harmonious match.

Photo: Widmer Cheese Cellars in Theresa, WI, sells an aged brick cheese that is delightful with saison Belgian-style ale

Beercook reader and brewer Chip Tate points out, "The optimum pH for cheese is about 5.0, plus or minus. It is true that this is less acidic than beer, which in turn is less acidic than wine (both in terms of titratable acidity and pH). However, without that acidic pH, milk's proteins would not coagulate into curd-obviously important in making cheese!"

Partners on the Palate Cheesemaking is an art, reflecting centuries of tradition. In Wisconsin, the artisanal approach of specialty cheesemakers shows in imaginative flavors and styles.

More than 300 varieties, types, and styles of cheese are now made in Wisconsin, thanks to the diverse ethnic heritage of the state and superb quality of cow's milk. From traditional ethnic styles, such as the Italian white Mozzarella, to cheeses flavored with premium ingredients, from fresh herbs, piquant habenero peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, caraway seeds, or even wild morels, cheesemakers show their innovation.

Quality and diversity in modern cheesemaking has its parallel in craft brewing. In the past decade, many styles of beer have been rediscovered and inspired new variations on those classic styles. The term "craft brewing" denotes the better quality and costly ingredients used to produce these specialty brews.

Little wonder, then, that specialty cheese and craft beer are natural partners. Both are made from fermented liquids, infused with special yeasts or cultures, and made in many styles, for variety in taste.

Thanks to specialty malts, fresh domestic hops, and other ingredients (including herbs, fruits and spices), American craft beers are available in more than 60 styles. Such beer styles vary in taste from light and refreshing pilsners, to smoky dry stouts, to fruity, effervescent cask-conditioned ales bottled with live yeast.

Just as wine connoisseurs appreciate varietal grapes, so too do beer lovers appreciate the varietal hops and quality ingredients in craft beers.

More about beer tasting
How to evaluate quality in cheese
A dozen suggested pairings - craft beer and specialty cheese


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