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Hosting a Cheese Tasting
Bass Lake Cheese Factory is Proud to Present
Cheese + Wine and/or Beer =
A fabulous Party your guests will rave about!
How to Host a Tasting
Hosting a cheese tasting is an exciting experience your guests will enjoy!
There are many different combinations of cheeses you can put together. Try a theme and have all French Cheeses. Make sure to have a nice variety of mild to sharp cheeses. Try to keep the number of cheeses to five or six.
The Number one Rule is: Have fun and use your Imagination!
Cheese Cutting Tips
1. Soft and semi soft cheeses are cut best when chilled. Hard cheeses are cut best at room temperature.
2. A Chef's knife works well for most cheeses.
Ways to display your cheese
1. Have all of the cheese cut into cubes, slices, or crumbles
2. Take your piece of cheese, cut-up a portion of that cheese. Then arrange the small pieces around what is left of the larger piece.
3. Do not cut any of the cheeses. Allow your guests to trim off their own piece.
Some Examples to get your tasting started:
Around the World Platter
Blue (originated in France)
Gouda (originated in Netherlands)
Parmesan (originated in Italy)
Swiss (originated in Switzerland)
Colby-Jack (originated in Wisconsin)
Italy via Wisconsin Platter
Originated in Italy Made in Wisconsin
Fontina
Provolone
Mozzarella
Parmesan
Asiago
Artisanal Wisconsin Platter
4 year Cheddar
Goat Cheddar with Harvest Red Wine
Country Chevre
Muenster Del Ray
Merlot Cheddar
Serving Tips
1. Fresh Cheese may be served chilled.
2. To accentuate the flavors of other varieties, allow 30 minutes for the cheese to reach room temp.
3. Make sure each cheese has its own knife. This will keep the flavors separate.
4. Keep mild cheeses away from strong ones on the serving tray, they may pick up flavors of those around them.
Wine
Most wines will pair well with a variety of cheeses. One thing you should always remember is the cheese nor the wine should never overwhelm one another. Flavorful wine is best paired with a stronger cheese. Lighter wine is best with a milder cheese. You do not have to be exact with all of your pairings. Trial and error is fun with wine!
Beer
Most cheeses will pair well with most beers. Beer is made with some of the same natural grains that cows eat, this makes for a fantastic pairing. A stronger Ale will pair best with a flavorful cheese as a Lighter Lager will pair best with a milder cheese.
Finishing Touches
Fruit may be just what you are looking for. Not only do the sweet flavors complement the saltiness of the cheese, it is also visually pleasing.
Good fruits to use are:
Apricots, Cherries, Apples, Figs, Grapes and Pears
Water Crackers are a bland crispy cracker that blend with most cheeses. This is a safe cracker to use. You can also use wheat crackers, bagel chips, and crusty breads. It all depends on the appearance you are working toward. Keep in mind that heavy crackers are best with flavorful cheeses. It is visually pleasing to have different kinds of crackers and breads for your guests.
Nuts are an appealing texture and taste with most cheeses. Not only do they have a nice flavor contrast, they also add to the visual effect you are creating with your cheese platter.
Good nuts to use are:
Walnuts, Almonds, Hazelnuts and Cashews
Putting it all together
Do not be afraid to put fruits, nuts, crackers and breads on the same platter as your cheese. Be inspired and create a visual masterpiece. Keep in mind, there is no wrong way.
Your guests will not remember every slice of cheese, every sip of wine or beer. They will mainly be impressed with your spectacular presentation, not your extensive knowledge. When your presentation is visually pleasing, your guests will surely enjoy the whole experience.
For more information please feel free to contact us at:
715-247-5586