Tawny port cheese pairing

[jmills]

We are going to give a holiday bottle of tawny port to several of our close friends. What would be a great cheese to go with the gift?

[ChefJune]

I don't think blue cheese is the optimum pairing for Tawny Port. The aged Gouda mentioned below would be a good choice, so to would an aged Comte or Gruyere.

[Bill Hunt]

Dry-aged Gouda is a favorite of mine, but, unlike some others, I do like my bleus, with Tawny. However, if French, I might opt for a Sauternes, in lieu of the Tawny Port.

Hunt

[jdwdeville]

I don't know that I'd go with Stilton at all! While Stilton is the classic choice for vintage Ports (and LBVs), Tawny Port has much more caramel character. A perfect "like-with-like" pairing would be 5yr aged Gouda...

[jmills]

Thank you all

[Porthos]

I like Saint Agur bleu and Epoisses.

[TombstoneShadow]

ditto stilton

[Bill Hunt]

I am a big fan of the Tawny Ports from two houses: Taylor-Fladgate and Porto Barros.

Now, both go with bleu cheeses better, so it will depend.

For general cheeses, I think white wines most often (at least for MY palate), and if I am going to be serving reds, will go with Manchego, Dry-aged Jack, etc.

Still, a Stilton with a Tawny Port is an ideal, at least for me.

Hunt

[penthouse pup]

Stilton.

[Bacardi1]

Second the Stilton recommendation. Even though I'm a Ruby Port fan, Stilton is a wonderful cheese to pair with either Tawny or Ruby Port. (And in perfectly ripe pears, & you almost have a meal :) )

[RhonelyInsanediego]

. . . plus add in some crusty bread and some walnut halves and you do have a complete meal. One that my wife and I indulge in 2 or 3 times a month. Like a good Manchego cheese with port as well.

[Gio]

Absolutely Stilton, but we roll with roasted chestnuts or whole nuts that have to be cracked as one eats. And sips.

[jmills]

Thanks!