The Perfect Drinks to Pair with Your Christmas Stilton Cheese (Part 2)

Stilton cheese is a festive staple, renowned for its creamy texture and tangy, savoury flavour. 

Whether you’re indulging in a classic blue Stilton or a milder white Stilton, choosing the right drink to accompany it can elevate your Christmas cheeseboard to new heights. 

Here’s a guide to the best alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to pair with Stilton this holiday season.

Alcoholic Pairings for Stilton Cheese

1. Port: The Classic Choice

Why it works: The sweetness of port balances Stilton’s sharpness, creating a perfect harmony of flavours.

What to try: Ruby port for a fruit-forward pairing, or tawny port for a nutty, caramelised flavour.

2. Sweet Dessert Wines

Why it works: Dessert wines like Sauternes or Tokaji complement Stilton’s richness with their honeyed sweetness.

What to try: Sauternes for a luxurious pairing, or a Moscato for something lighter and fruitier.

3. Bold Red Wines

Why it works: A robust red wine can stand up to Stilton’s intense flavour.

What to try: Opt for a full-bodied wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or vintage Bordeaux.

4. Sherry

Why it works: The nutty, oxidative notes of sherry complement Stilton’s creamy, salty profile.

What to try: Go for an Oloroso or a sweet Pedro Ximénez for a festive pairing.

5. Ales and Stouts

Why it works: The malty richness of ales and stouts matches Stilton’s depth, while the carbonation cleanses the palate.

What to try: Pair Stilton with a traditional English barleywine, a dark stout, or a festive spiced ale.

6. Sparkling Wines

Why it works: The effervescence of sparkling wine cuts through Stilton’s creaminess, creating a refreshing contrast.

What to try: Champagne, Prosecco, or a sparkling rosé are all excellent choices.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings for Stilton Cheese

1. Grape Juice

Why it works: A sweet, full-bodied grape juice mimics the pairing of port and Stilton without the alcohol.

What to try: Opt for red or black grape juice for a rich, fruity flavour.

2. Apple Cider

Why it works: The crisp sweetness of apple cider complements Stilton’s tangy notes.

What to try: Choose a sparkling or spiced apple cider for a festive twist.

3. Pear Juice

Why it works: Pear juice offers a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with Stilton’s salty, creamy profile.

What to try: Serve chilled pear juice for a light, refreshing pairing.

4. Tea

Why it works: The earthy, tannic qualities of tea balance Stilton’s richness.

What to try: A robust black tea like Earl Grey or Assam works well, or try a spiced chai for a seasonal touch.

5. Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Drinks

Why it works: The bubbles and acidity in sparkling drinks cut through Stilton’s creaminess.

What to try: Sparkling water with a splash of cranberry or elderflower cordial adds a festive flair.

6. Hot Chocolate

Why it works: The sweetness and creaminess of hot chocolate provide a surprising but delightful contrast to Stilton’s tangy flavour.

What to try: Use dark chocolate for a more sophisticated pairing.

Tips for Pairing Drinks with Stilton

Balance the flavours: Pair Stilton’s saltiness and tang with drinks that offer sweetness, richness, or acidity.

Experiment: Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t be afraid to try new combinations to find your favourite.

Serve appropriately: Ensure your drinks are served at the correct temperature to bring out their best flavours.

A Perfect Pairing for Every Occasion

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening by the fire or hosting a festive gathering, the right drink can transform your Stilton experience. From the classic pairing of port to creative non-alcoholic options like pear juice or spiced tea, there’s a perfect match for every taste and occasion.

This Christmas, take the time to savour the magic of Stilton paired with your favourite drinks. It’s a festive indulgence you won’t regret!

Why You Should Treat Yourself to a Chunk (or two!) of High-Quality Stilton This Christmas (Part 1)

When it comes to Christmas traditions, few foods are as quintessentially British as Stilton cheese. 

Whether crumbled onto a cracker, paired with a glass of port, or added to festive recipes, Stilton is a Christmas classic that deserves a place on your Christmas table.

Here’s why you should invest in a good-sized chunk of high-quality Stilton this festive season.

1. A Festive Favourite with Heritage

Stilton is steeped in history and tradition. Known as the “King of English Cheeses,” it has been enjoyed at Christmas for centuries. Protected by PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, authentic Stilton can only be made in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire, using traditional methods.

Buying a chunk of high-quality Stilton isn’t just about taste; it’s about celebrating a piece of British heritage.

2. A Versatile Christmas Essential

Stilton’s creamy texture and distinctive tang make it incredibly versatile:

On the cheeseboard: Pair Stilton with crackers, walnuts, and chutneys for a show-stopping centrepiece.

In recipes: Add it to soups, sauces, or salads for a burst of flavour. Stilton works beautifully in a festive broccoli and Stilton soup or a creamy pasta dish.

With drinks: It’s a classic pairing with port, but it also complements dry white wines, robust reds, and even a good ale.

3. It Keeps Well Over the Festive Period

A good-sized chunk of Stilton will last throughout the Christmas season if stored properly. Keep it wrapped in wax paper or foil and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Unlike many cheeses, Stilton matures well, so its flavour deepens over time, making it an excellent investment for holiday entertaining.

4. Impress Your Guests

A high-quality Stilton is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its creamy, crumbly texture and rich, tangy flavour are a hit with cheese lovers. Serve it with festive garnishes like fresh figs, honey, or spiced nuts to create a luxurious and memorable experience for your guests.

5. Support British Cheesemakers

By choosing a high-quality Stilton, you’re supporting traditional British cheesemakers who craft this iconic cheese with care and expertise. Opt for Stilton from reputable dairies or local cheesemongers to ensure you’re getting the best quality while backing sustainable, artisanal production.

6. A Perfect Gift for Foodies

A well-chosen wedge of Stilton, wrapped beautifully, makes a thoughtful gift for the cheese enthusiast in your life. Pair it with a bottle of port or a selection of gourmet crackers for a festive hamper that’s sure to delight.

Tips for Choosing and Serving Stilton

Look for quality: High-quality Stilton should have a creamy, crumbly texture with fine blue veining throughout.

Serve at room temperature: Allow your Stilton to come to room temperature before serving to enhance its flavour and texture.

Get creative: Use leftovers in dishes like Stilton-stuffed mushrooms, blue cheese dressing, or even a decadent Stilton and pear tart.

Make Stilton a Christmas Tradition

Christmas is a time for indulgence, and few foods embody festive luxury like a good chunk of Stilton cheese. Its rich flavour, versatility, and cultural significance make it a must-have for your holiday celebrations.

Incidentally, White Stilton is also available and well worth trying alongside its more famous blue-veined brother.

So, this Christmas, don’t just buy a small slice—treat yourself to a generous wedge of high-quality Stilton and savour every creamy, tangy bite. After all, it’s not truly Christmas without it!

Choosing an Affordable but Acceptable Port for Christmas

When the festive season rolls around, many of us enjoy indulging in a glass of something special to mark the occasion. 

For those who appreciate a good dessert wine, Port is often a top choice – rich, warming, and perfect for sipping after a hearty Christmas meal.

However, not everyone wants to splurge on a premium bottle, especially with the cost of Christmas piling up. The good news is that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a decent Port this festive season.

Here’s a guide to choosing a budget-friendly yet delightful Port to add some cheer to your Christmas celebrations.

1. Know the Basics

Port is a fortified wine from Portugal, and it comes in several styles, each offering something unique. The most common types you’ll encounter are:

Ruby Port: This is the most affordable and widely available. Ruby Ports are typically young, fruity, and vibrant, with red fruit flavours like cherries and plums.

Tawny Port: Aged in wooden barrels, Tawny Port has a nutty, caramelised flavour. The longer it’s aged, the more complex and mellow it becomes, but even young tawny can be delicious.

Late Bottled Vintage (LBV): A step up from Ruby, LBV is from a single vintage and aged longer in the bottle. It’s still affordable and offers a richer, more refined taste.

Vintage Port: The crème de la crème, but this is the most expensive type, often costing a small fortune, so if you're on a budget, it’s best to steer clear of vintage bottles.

2. Set a Reasonable Budget

If you’re looking to spend less, you’re likely aiming for a price range between £8 and £20. While this won’t get you a prestigious vintage, you can still find enjoyable, drinkable options within this range. Supermarket own-label Ports often offer excellent value for money and are worth checking out. Stores like Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Lidl and Aldi frequently stock well-reviewed budget Ports.

3. Look for Ruby or Tawny Ports

As a general rule, Ruby and Tawny Ports will be the most affordable options. Ruby Port is a great choice if you’re looking for something bold, sweet, and straightforward to pair with chocolates or Christmas pudding. Tawny Port, on the other hand, offers a more mellow, warming experience, ideal for sipping by the fire or serving with a cheese board. You can often find young Tawnies that offer decent complexity without the high price tag.

4. Consider Late Bottled Vintage (LBV)

If you want to treat yourself without venturing into the realm of expensive vintage Ports, LBV is an excellent middle ground. LBV Ports are from a single vintage and aged for around four to six years before bottling, which means they offer more depth and character than standard Ruby but are still reasonably priced. LBV Ports usually cost between £12 and £20, making them a smart choice for something a little more special.

5. Don’t Ignore Lesser-Known Producers

When looking for a good value bottle, it’s easy to be drawn to big-name brands, but lesser-known producers can often offer better deals. Portuguese producers like Fonseca, Graham’s, and Dow’s have a solid reputation, but you might find some hidden gems from smaller wineries at a fraction of the cost. Look out for online reviews and supermarket award winners to guide your choice.

6. Pairing and Serving Tips

Port pairs beautifully with a wide variety of Christmas treats. Ruby Ports are fantastic with dark chocolate, fruitcakes, and rich desserts, while Tawny Ports are perfect with nuts, cheese, and lighter pastries. If you’re serving it to guests, remember that Port is best enjoyed slightly chilled, around 12-16°C for Ruby and 10-12°C for Tawny.

7. Where to Buy Affordable Port

Supermarkets are your best bet for budget-friendly Ports. Aldi and Lidl often stock surprisingly good Ports at very reasonable prices, with both Ruby and Tawny varieties regularly available. Tesco Finest, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference, and Waitrose also offer excellent own-label Ports that rival well-known brands for a fraction of the price.

Conclusion

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a delightful glass of Port this Christmas. By choosing a Ruby or Tawny Port, exploring LBV options, and considering supermarket own-brands, you can find a lovely, affordable bottle that pairs perfectly with your festive treats. With a little bit of savvy shopping, you can enjoy the richness and warmth of Port without overloading your Christmas budget.

Port also makes a lovely and thoughtful Christmas gift, too.

Happy Port sipping this Christmas.