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 Stilton for Christmas: A Quintessential British Tradition

When it comes to festive food traditions in the UK, Stilton cheese holds a special place at the Christmas table. This iconic blue cheese, with its rich history and distinct flavours, is a must-have for many during the holiday season.

Whether it’s served on a cheese board after Christmas dinner or enjoyed with a glass of port by the fire, Stilton adds an unmistakable touch of luxury and tradition to Christmas celebrations.

But how do you choose the perfect Stilton for your festive feast? Here are some tips to help you pick the finest blue cheese for Christmas this year.

The History of Stilton

First, a little background: Stilton is one of only a handful of British cheeses with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning it can only be made in certain counties—Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire. It dates back to the 18th century, and its popularity has endured, making it a symbol of British cheesemaking.

1. Blue or White?

Stilton is available in two varieties: blue and white. While the blue version is more commonly associated with Christmas, with its beautiful blue veins and creamy texture, white Stilton is also a delicious alternative, especially if you're not keen on the tang of blue cheeses. White Stilton is milder, crumbly, and often paired with fruits like cranberries or apricots, which can add a festive twist to your cheese selection.

2. Check the Age

When choosing Stilton for Christmas, it's important to consider its age. A younger Stilton will be creamier and milder in flavour, making it an ideal choice if you prefer a less intense blue cheese. However, if you're a true blue cheese lover, go for a more mature Stilton, which will have a stronger, more complex flavour and a crumbly texture.

3. Look for a Trusted Producer

Stilton is made by only a few dairies, and all producers adhere to strict standards, but each one has its own subtle differences. Producers like Colston Bassett, Cropwell Bishop, and Long Clawson are renowned for their high-quality Stilton. Trying cheeses from different dairies is a great way to explore the unique characteristics of each, but any Stilton bearing the PDO mark is guaranteed to be of excellent quality.

4. Consider Pairings

One of the joys of Stilton at Christmas is how well it pairs with other festive treats. Traditionally, Stilton is served with a glass of port, a rich and sweet fortified wine that complements the cheese’s sharp, salty flavour. If port isn’t to your taste, consider pairing it with a dessert wine, such as Sauternes, or even a full-bodied red like a Bordeaux. For non-alcoholic options, spiced apple juice or a pear cordial can be excellent companions.

In terms of food, Stilton shines when paired with fruits like figs, pears, or apples. It also works beautifully with chutneys, especially ones with a bit of sweetness and spice. Try serving your Stilton with a fig chutney, or opt for the classic combination of Stilton and quince paste.

5. Storage Tips

Once you've chosen your perfect Stilton, it’s important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh throughout the festive period. Stilton should be kept in the fridge, wrapped in wax paper or foil, and stored in an airtight container. This will help it retain its moisture while preventing other foods in the fridge from absorbing its distinctive aroma.

Before serving, take your Stilton out of the fridge about an hour ahead of time to allow it to come to room temperature. This will enhance its flavours and make it easier to cut and spread.

A Christmas Classic

Whether you're a long-time Stilton fan or introducing it to your Christmas table for the first time, this iconic cheese adds a truly British touch to your festive celebrations. Its versatility, bold flavours, and rich history make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to elevate their Christmas cheese board.

As you gather with family and friends, make sure there's a place for Stilton alongside the mince pies and Christmas pudding. After all, it’s not quite Christmas without it!

However, my wife states, quite firmly, that a good Stilton is not just for Christmas! And I cannot argue with her!