This Christmas, the British Cheese Board is encouraging families and friends to upgrade their ordinary festive cheeseboards with it’s ultimate cheese pairings.

With over 700 named varieties of British cheeses on offer, take your cheeseboard to the next level by perfectly matching each piece of British cheese with its ultimate partner, whether it is wine, whisky, port, beer or even Christmas pudding.

Why not encourage guests to try a dram of Talisker 18yr old whisky with their extra mature or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar, as the smoky and sweet flavours of the whisky balance out the slight saltiness of the cheese. For those who prefer something a little less strong, the accents of passion fruit, orange and vanilla found in The Singleton of Dufftown 12 yr old whisky complement the creaminess of Somerset Brie. Or failing that try a brandy with your Cornish Camembert

If dry white is the tipple of choice, Farmhouse Red Leicester complements it perfectly, but if the fullness of a red Pinot Noir is preferred, enjoy it with Garstang Blue or an aged Cheddar. Another cheese that never fails to appear on a festive cheeseboard is Blue Stilton, whose perfect partner has got to be port. However, the scent of cinnamon and spices found in mulled wine also complement the strong undertones of the ‘King’ of British cheeses, as does a dessert wine such as Ollaroso Sherry.

For something unusual, try the distinctive pairing of Wensleydale and Cranberries with a drop of sherry or a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio. Alternatively, Cornish Yarg or Northumberland Nettle, both of which are wrapped in nettles leaves, works in harmony with real ale or even sparkling wine. Adventurous types will love White Stilton & Blueberries, which goes perfectly with a sweet cider, such as Peronelle’s Blush Suffolk Cyder, and will also add colour to your cheeseboard

If your cheese board makes an appearance whilst the Christmas pudding is still being enjoyed, dare your guests to switch the brandy butter for a slice of crumbly mild Cheshire, and wait to see their pleasantly surprised faces as they realise the benefits of this cheesy alternative.

To get the most out of your cheese this Christmas, remember to take it out of the fridge up to two hours before serving; avoid using the same knife to cut different cheeses as this can lead to the flavours contaminating one another; and finally buy softer cheeses such as Brie and Camembert in advance so that it has a chance to ripen.

For more ultimate cheese pairings, festive cheese recipes and information on the British Cheese Board, visit the website:

THE ULTIMATE BRITISH CHEESE PAIRINGS FOR CHRISTMAS

Recommended Cheese (including stockist)	Recommended Partner
Westcountry Farmhouse Cheddar by Keen’s, sold in Waitrose	Smoky & rich whisky, such as Talisker 18yr Old
Somerset Brie by Lubborn Cheddar, sold in Waitrose	Delicate & smooth whisky, Singleton of Dufftown
Cornish Camembert by Cornish Country Larder, sold in Morrisons or Tesco	Brandy, such as Martel
Farmhouse Red Leicester by Belton Farm, sold in Waitrose	White wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
Garstang Blue by Dewlay, sold in Booths, Sainsbury’s, & Co-op	Red wine, such as Pinot Noir
Blue Stilton by Long Clawson, sold in all major supermarkets	Port/Mulled Wine/Ollaroso Sherry
Wensleydale & Cranberries by Wensleydale Creamery, sold in Waitrose, Morrisons, Booths, Sainsbury’s	Pinot Grigio/Sherry
Cornish Yarg by Lynher Dairies, sold in Waitrose, Tesco, Somerfield, Sainsbury’s & Morissons	Real Ale/Sparkling Wine
White Stilton & Blueberries by Long Clawson, sold in Morrisons	Sweet Cider, such as Perronelle’s Blush Suffolk Cyder
White Cheshire by Belton Farm, sold in Waitrose	Christmas Pudding