A little over a week ago the perfect storm of beer and cheese took over Craft Ale House in Limerick. Dr. Joel Beer Ambassador for New Holland Brewing and Jay Montgomery of Calkins Creamery brought together some of their best offerings for the evening. The tasting included 5 cheeses paired with appropriate beers and bread. What else does one really need to survive? All were great but for me there were two standouts. The Noble Road w/The Poet and Udderly Hot Havarti (infused with chilies, super chilies & habanero) w/El Mole Ocho.
(Bryan Kolesar The Brew Lounge & Dr. Joel New Holland)
The Noble Road, a semi-soft raw milk cheese aged for 60 days, was mild and earthy which worked nicely with the roasted earthiness of the Poet Oatmeal Stout. I'm still learning my beer and cheese combinations but it makes sense that the mushroom notes of the cheese would mix well with the semi-sweet, chocolate and wood flavors of the beer. As good as it was my favorite match-up put the complex chili, cocoa and coffee convergence of El Mole Ocho along side the Hot Pepper Havarti. With peppers as a common theme you might of expected big, big heat but it never went past pleasant warmth on the tongue. I heard a few people complain about the pepper bite of the cheese but for a spice fiend like myself it was heaven on a plate. I highly recommend you search out the El Mole Ocho and if you're in the Philly area head to Whole Foods (Plymouth Meeting) for Calkins cheese. Cheers!
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