To pair Scotch with cheese, match the cheese to the cask. The Macallan's pairings: rich, mellow sheep's milk cheeses such as young Manchego or Pecorino with the 12 Year Double Cask; bloomy or washed-rind cheeses such as Camembert with the Rare Cask; rich, intense blue cheese with the Triple Cask 15 Year; and sweet, nutty aged Gouda or Gruyère with the Triple Cask 12 Year.
Wine is not the only perfect partner for cheese. The rich creaminess of cheese complements the subtle, nuanced notes in whisky as well. Here are four Macallan and cheese pairings and the reason each one works.
At a glance
- Young Manchego or Pecorino: The Macallan Double Cask 12 Year.
- Camembert or a washed-rind cheese: The Macallan Rare Cask.
- Rich, buttery blue cheese: The Macallan Triple Cask 15 Year.
- Aged Gouda or Gruyère: The Macallan Triple Cask 12 Year.
- Rule of thumb: let the cheese either echo the whisky's sweetness or contrast its citrus and floral notes.
1. Manchego or Pecorino with The Macallan Double Cask 12 Year
The whisky: a harmonious marriage of American and European oak, all Oloroso sherry seasoned.
The pair: rich, buttery, mellow sheep's milk cheeses, such as a young Manchego or Pecorino.
Why it works: the rich cheese cuts through the citrus and spice notes in The Macallan Double Cask 12 Year and brings out its notes of vanilla and custard.
Speyside, Scotland ● Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Why we picked it
The whisky this pairing was written for: The Macallan Double Cask 12 Year, aged in American and European oak casks seasoned with Oloroso sherry. Rated 92 by Wine Enthusiast.
2. Camembert or Washed-Rind Cheese with The Macallan Rare Cask
The whisky: an exquisite, woody whisky aged in hand-picked American and European oak casks.
The pair: funky, bloomy-rinded cheeses such as Camembert, or a washed-rind cheese.
Why it works: the cheese's sweet, floral notes accentuate The Macallan Rare Cask's hints of maple syrup and candied nuts.
Highland, Scotland ● Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Why we picked it
An alternative when the Rare Cask is unavailable: The Macallan 18 Year Double Cask, also aged in American and European oak casks (sherry seasoned). Rated 95 by Wine Enthusiast.
3. Blue Cheese with The Macallan Triple Cask 15 Year
The whisky: a vibrant combination of European and American sherry-seasoned oak casks and American ex-bourbon oak casks.
The pair: rich, buttery, intense blue cheeses.
Why it works: the salty yet buttery flavors of blue cheese are a great contrast to The Macallan Triple Cask 15 Year's floral and citrus notes.
Speyside, Scotland ● Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Why we picked it
An alternative when the Triple Cask 15 Year is unavailable: The Macallan 15 Year Double Cask, a whisky of the same age matured in sherry-seasoned American and European oak casks.
4. Aged Gouda or Gruyère with The Macallan Triple Cask 12 Year
The whisky: a light, smooth combination of European and American sherry-seasoned oak casks and American ex-bourbon oak casks.
The pair: sweet, nutty aged cow's milk cheeses, such as an aged Gouda or a Gruyère.
Why it works: The Macallan Triple Cask 12 Year's complex honey sweetness enhances the caramel and toffee notes of the cheese. If the Triple Cask 12 Year is unavailable, the Double Cask 12 Year from pairing 1 is the closest Macallan in age.
Shop whiskey
Scotch and Cheese Questions, Answered
What cheese goes with Scotch whisky?
Rich, creamy cheeses complement whisky's subtle notes. For The Macallan: young Manchego or Pecorino, Camembert or washed-rind cheeses, blue cheese, and aged Gouda or Gruyère, each matched to a different cask style.
What cheese goes with The Macallan 12 Year Double Cask?
Rich, buttery, mellow sheep's milk cheeses such as a young Manchego or Pecorino. The cheese cuts through the whisky's citrus and spice and brings out its vanilla and custard notes.
Does blue cheese go with Scotch?
Yes. With The Macallan Triple Cask 15 Year, the salty, buttery flavors of blue cheese contrast the whisky's floral and citrus notes.
What whisky goes with Gruyère or aged Gouda?
The Macallan Triple Cask 12 Year, whose honey sweetness enhances the caramel and toffee notes of these sweet, nutty cheeses.
More guides: Blue Cheese Wine Pairing · Cocktail Recipes · Fall Cocktail Recipes · The Wine Guide for Beer and Cocktail Drinkers · Food and Wine Pairing
Related Guides
