Belgian beer, Duvel, is a wonderful match for a range of cheeses. The flagship beer, Duvel Belgian Strong Golden Ale’s carbonation cleanses the palate between bites and its dry, effervescent fruitiness is an excellent counterpoint to salt and fats in cheese. The perfumy notes on the nose, followed by its citrus, pear brandy, and strong hop flavour, allow for a delicious pairing with a wide variety of fresh cheeses such as goats cheese and Burrata, as well as aged cheeses from Gouda to Cheddar.
Duvel Belgian Strong Golden Ale 8.5%: RRP £2, available at Waitrose, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco
Chouffe
Belgian, Chouffe, evokes a slightly hoppy taste, combining notes of fresh coriander and fruity tones. Resulting in an exceptionally well-balanced beer, La Chouffe pairs brilliantly with unpasteurized cow’s cheeses such as Brie and Comté or even a Manchego.
La Chouffe 8%: RRP £2, available at Tesco
Estrella Galicia
Premium Spanish beer Estrella Galicia is renowned for being a beer that pairs effortlessly with great food due to its light body and fine texture. The 1906 Reserva Especial embodies roasted notes meaning it pairs deliciously with smoked cheeses. For non-alcoholic pairings, Estrella Galicia 0,0% has a sharp and sturdy bitterness on the palate, thus pairing wonderfully with fresh cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella.
Estrella Galicia Cerveza 1906 Reserva Especial 6.5%: RRP £2, available at Greene King
Estrella Galicia 0,0%: RRP £1.40, available at Greene King, Majestic
