The Art of Coffee and Cheese Pairing

Coffee and cheese make a surprisingly great pair. The bold flavours of coffee enhance the creamy and tangy notes of cheese. For instance, espresso pairs well with sharp cheddar, while brie complements medium roasts. Light roasts work nicely with fresh cheeses like mozzarella. This combination offers a delightful and sophisticated tasting experience.

Things to consider when pairing coffee & cheese:

When pairing cheese and coffee, consider the following three factors to create a harmonious and enjoyable tasting experience:

Flavour Profiles

Match the intensity and flavour notes of the coffee with those of the cheese. For instance, a bold, dark roast coffee pairs well with strong, aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda, while a lighter roast with fruity or floral notes complements milder cheeses like brie or goat cheese.

Acidity and Sweetness

Balance the acidity and sweetness between the coffee and cheese. Coffees with higher acidity, such as Ethiopian or Kenyan varieties, pair well with creamy, tangy cheeses like goat cheese or Camembert. Conversely, coffees with lower acidity and sweeter notes, like Brazilian or Colombian coffee, pair nicely with nutty or caramel-flavoured cheeses like Gruyère or aged gouda.

Texture and Mouthfeel

Consider the texture and mouthfeel of both the coffee and the cheese. A smooth, creamy cheese can complement a similarly smooth and well-rounded coffee, enhancing the overall tasting experience. For example, the creamy texture of Brie pairs well with the smoothness of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, while the crumbly texture of Parmesan complements the full-bodied nature of a dark roast.

By taking these factors into account, you can create delightful and complementary cheese and coffee pairings.

So, which cheeses complement each of our coffees?

Colombian 

Our Colombian Huila coffee is known for its bright acidity, floral aromas, and fruity notes. Here are a few matches that might bring out its glorious, rich coffee characteristics:

• Goat Cheese: The tangy and creamy profile of goat cheese complements the fruity and floral notes of Colombian Huila coffee.
• Brie: Its rich and buttery texture pairs well with the coffee’s acidity and sweetness.
• Aged Gouda: The caramel and nutty notes of aged Gouda enhance the coffee’s fruity undertones.

Brazilian

Known for its nutty, chocolatey, and full-bodied profile, Brazilian coffee pairs wonderfully with several types of cheese. Here are some cheeses that you may like to try with our Fairtrade Brazil:

• Parmesan: The salty, savoury flavours of Parmesan complement the nutty and chocolatey notes of Brazilian coffee.
• Cheddar: Aged cheddar’s sharp and robust taste balances well with the rich, full-bodied coffee.
• Blue Cheese: The bold, tangy taste of blue cheese contrasts nicely with the coffee’s deep, rich flavours, creating a dynamic pairing.

Arabica Blend

With our Drip Brew Special, known to be very much like the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, you might find that it pairs nicely with some of the same cheese as well. Why not see for yourself? The following cheeses have flavours said to complement its slightly nutty notes and smooth, mild flavour:

• Camembert: The creamy, earthy flavours of Camembert complement the coffee’s smooth and mild profile.
• Manchego: The nutty and slightly sweet taste of Manchego enhances the coffee’s delicate fruity and floral notes.
• Gruyère: Its nutty and slightly sweet flavour pairs well with the coffee’s subtle complexity.