Click here to read the Spanish version.
In 2023 it will be 300 years since Stilton cheese, one of the best known varieties in the world, was created. Many call it the English ‘king of cheeses’. It has two forms, blue and white, which pair very well with many fortified and dry wines. So that you know which wine to choose for each variety, we leave you these recommendations made by Forbes magazine to pair Stilton with a good wine or liqueur and enjoy these cheeses to the fullest. Take note!
Colston Basset
There are currently only six producers of Stilton cheese in the world, and they are cooperatives. One of them is Colston Basset, which is the creamiest and most buttery of all. Each piece is matured for a maximum of six months. During this process, it is perforated to allow the blue mold to penetrate the cheese and facilitate its spread throughout the wheel.
That’s why this Stilton goes well with a wide variety of beverages, as cheese expert and Cheese Store of Beverly Hills owner Dominick DiBartolomeo explains in Forbes. From fruity whiskies such as Crown Royal Northern Harvest, Jack Daniel’s Old #7 or Angel’s Envy; also Balcomes, Baby Blue Corn Whiskey and Glenlivet 14 YO. Other whiskies that match would be Glenmorangie’s Nectar d’Or or A Tale of Cake. Not forgetting beers such as Porters or Stouts.
As for wines, the magazine recommends pairing it with Port wines such as Sandeman’s Founder Reserve or Ramos Pinto Fine Ruby Port. But this Stilton also pairs well with fruity dry red wines, such as Col Solare, Upchurch Vineyards, Touriga portuguese or the Italian Nero d’Avola.
Cropwell Bishop
Another major producer of Stilton is Cropwell Bishop. It is a traditional blue cheese, smooth and creamy, with salty, herbaceous notes and a spicy, acidic and slightly bitter finish. It is one of the most intense and, for this reason, pairs very well with both white and red wines. Pairing recommendations here could be an aged Sauterne or a Canadian ice wine from Inniskillin or Jackson-Triggs. Other options are late harvest German Rieslings. If you are looking for something more exotic, you can go for a Cannonau wine from Sardinia. Regarding other spirits, this Stilton pairs very well with an Extra Añejo Tequila, such as a Don Julio Tequila Ultima Reserva or El Mayor Sherry Cask.
Long Clawson
At Forbes, DiBartolomeo also recommends pairing it with Stilton Long Clawson, his favorite. It is a smooth and very creamy variety, with a honeyed aroma and a bit fruity. Here you should go with a Ribera del Duero wine, a Mouvedre from the southern Rhône or a Pingus. Other good choices would be a Pineau de Charante or with a late harvest or fermented wine, such as a Donnafugata or a Venetian Recioto. As for whiskies, he advises any fruity one, such as Chivas 25 years, but also a rum such as Navy de Demerara.
Tuxford & Tebbut
The oldest producer of Stilton is Tuxford & Tebbut (since about 1870). This dairy also produces other cheeses such as English cheddar. Its blue Stilton was the ‘Supreme Champion’ at the 2012 World Cheese Awards. Its rind is thick – resembling a cracker – and has a slightly sweet and syrupy character. To pair it, DiBartolomeo goes for a very aged Tawny Port wine or a White Port on the rocks. Other options would be a very ripe and fruity Californian or Australian Cabernet Sauvignon or a Bordeaux blend. As regards liqueurs, this Stilton goes very well with sweet liqueurs such as Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon or Jim Bean Rye; or even with Jack Daniel’s with honey.