Cheers and Cheese: The Festive Beer and Cheese Pairings Guide

As the festive season approaches, there’s no better time to indulge in a little comfort, and few things go together quite like beer and cheese. Our team has pulled together the ultimate beer and cheese pairing guide to help you discover combinations that bring out the best in both. From rich British ales to modern IPAs and creamy cheddars, we’ve created a simple pairing chart to inspire your next get-together.

Whether you’re building a beer and cheese hamper, searching for a unique beer and cheese gift, or planning a cosy beer and cheese fondue for a night at home, these pairings are guaranteed to make your celebrations a little more special.

1. Badger Fursty Ferret (Amber Ale)

Beer style: A full-bodied amber ale with rich malty notes and a gentle hoppy balance.
Cheese pairing: Mature cheddar.
Why it works: The malty sweetness of Fursty Ferret pairs perfectly with the sharp, nutty character of a good farmhouse cheddar, creating a classic and comforting combination.

2. Outland Tropical Pale Ale (Pale Ale)

Beer style: A tropical, fruity pale ale with fresh mango flavour and a balanced hop finish.

Cheese pairing: Red Leicester

Why it works: Our Tropical Pale Ale’s juicy tropical notes complement Red Leicester’s nutty sweetness, while its refreshing edge cuts through the cheese’s rich, smooth texture.

3. Outland Black IPA (India Pale Ale)

Beer style: A unique dark IPA with citrus and grapefruit hop undertones, which work in dark harmony with defiant roasted malts.

Cheese pairing: Stilton

Why it works: With its roasted dark‑malt backbone and hop‑citrus/pine lift, our Black IPA pairs perfectly with Stilton, a strong English blue cheese with creamy, tangy saltiness, as the beer’s roast and chocolate notes complement the cheese’s intensity while the citrusy hops cut through its richness.

4. Badger Golden Champion (Golden Ale)

Beer style: A crisp, floral golden ale with subtle elderflower and honey notes.
Cheese pairing: Soft goat’s cheese or brie.
Why it works: The delicate sweetness of Golden Champion enhances the creamy, tangy profile of these cheeses, making it a lighter and refreshing choice.

Your Simple Beer and Cheese Pairing Chart:

Use this quick beer and cheese pairing chart as your go-to guide for entertaining this Christmas or for creating the perfect beer and cheese hamper as a gift for friends and family.

Whether you’re looking to surprise a beer lover or treat yourself, a beer and cheese hamper featuring Badger and Outland beers is the ultimate festive indulgence. Pair each bottle with its matching cheese, add a few crackers and chutneys, and you’ve got a thoughtful beer and cheese gift that celebrates great flavour.