Celebrate National Cheese Lover’s Day with perfect pours and unforgettable bites.
There’s a reason bourbon and cheese belong together: both are shaped by time, craft, and complex flavor development. While individual palates vary, these pairings are widely accepted guidelines based on flavor intensity, fat content, sweetness, salt, and spice. From sweet corn notes and vanilla-forward finishes to nutty, funky, and creamy cheeses, the right pairing can elevate both.
Below is a go-to bourbon and cheese pairing guide – perfect for hosting, gifting, or simply celebrating National Cheese Lover’s Day at home.
Sharp Cheddar + Classic Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Why it works: Sharp cheddar’s tangy bite and crystalline texture pair beautifully with bourbon’s caramel, vanilla, and oak-driven sweetness.
Look for:
- Aged white or clothbound cheddar
- Bourbons with notes of toffee, vanilla, and light spice
Pro tip: Add apple slices or honey to soften the sharp edges and highlight bourbon’s sweetness.
Brie or Triple Crème + Wheated Bourbon
Why it works: Rich, buttery cheeses love the softer mouthfeel of wheated bourbons. The gentle sweetness complements creaminess without overpowering it.
Look for:
- Brie, Camembert, or triple crème styles
- Wheated bourbons with notes of vanilla, baking spice, and soft oak
Pro tip: Serve at room temperature and pair with crusty bread or toasted nuts.
Blue Cheese + High-Proof or Barrel-Strength Bourbon
Why it works: Bold meets bold. The saltiness and funk of blue cheese stand up to higher proof bourbons, while bourbon’s sweetness reins in the intensity.
Look for:
- Stilton, Gorgonzola, or Roquefort
- Barrel-strength or higher-proof bourbons
Pro tip: Add a drizzle of honey or fig jam to bridge the flavors.
Gouda (Smoked or Aged) + High-Rye Bourbon
Why it works: Nutty, caramelized flavors in aged or smoked gouda echo bourbon’s oak influence, while rye spice adds balance.
Look for:
- Aged gouda (18+ months) or smoked gouda
- Bourbons with higher rye content
Pro tip: Pair with roasted nuts or charcuterie for a full board experience.
Manchego + Bourbon Finished in Secondary Barrels
Why it works: Manchego’s nutty, slightly sweet profile pairs wonderfully with bourbons finished in wine, port, or sherry casks.
Look for:
- Semi-aged or aged Manchego
- Finished bourbons with dried fruit or wine-influenced notes
Pro tip: Add Marcona almonds or olives to round out the pairing.
Fresh Goat Cheese + Light, Approachably Sweet Bourbon
Why it works: The tang and freshness of goat cheese contrast nicely with bourbon’s sweetness, creating a bright, balanced bite.
Look for:
- Plain or herb-crusted chèvre
- Lower-proof, easy-drinking bourbons
Pro tip: Try with citrus zest or a light fruit preserve.
How to Build the Perfect Bourbon & Cheese Board
- Balance textures: creamy, crumbly, and firm cheeses
- Vary intensity: light to bold flavors
- Include palate cleansers: crackers, bread, fruit
- Pour small: bourbon tastes best in thoughtful sips
Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, bourbon and cheese pairings are a delicious way to celebrate craft, flavor, and community.
Happy National Cheese Lover’s Day, cheers to great pours and even better pairings!