November Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on October 28, 2024 by mcginnessalex

Artequeso Buenalba Vino Blanco Semicured Sheep Cheese with White Wine Tembleque, Spain

Buenalba Vino Blanco is an artisan cheese crafted from La Manchega sheep’s milk and infused with white wine. This cheese was developed for a client seeking a Spanish wine-flavored cheese without the usual purple hue. The addition of wine from the Airén grape varietal (widespread in La Mancha) imparts a gentle acidity and lactic note to the flavor. Matured for 6 months on the “Finca la Prudenciana” farm in Tembleque (Toledo), it is a pressed cheese, with marks on the rind of the flower and pleita. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For wine, try this cheese with an Albariño white wine (what grows together, goes together). This white wine from Spain offers bright acidity and citrus notes that complement the cheese’s lactic flavor while enhancing its wine character. For beer, try a Saison — farmhouse ale with fruity and spicy notes. Saison will balance the richness of the cheese and elevate its flavors without overpowering them. WINESTYLES: Crisp wines BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy beers

Artequeso Buenalba Al Pimentón Sheep Cheese with Paprika Tembleque, Spain

Buenalba al Pimentón is crafted from La Mancha sheep’s milk sourced from the Tembleque (Toledo) region of Spain. The addition of smoked and sweet paprika gives the cheese its distinctive reddish-orange hue. While the raw sheep’s milk provides a sharp and lactic flavor, the paprika introduces a subtle spiciness that balances the cheese’s richness. Matured between 3 and 4 months at “Finca la Prudeniana” farm in Tembleque, it is a hard cheese, with rinds marks from the ‘flor’ and ‘pleita’. This well-rounded cheese can be savored on its own or sliced and paired with exquisite jamón and crusty fresh bread. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Another “what grows together, goes together”—try pairing this cheese with a Garnacha. This Spanish red wine, known for its juicy red fruit flavors and moderate tannins, complements the sharpness of the cheese while enhancing the smokiness of the paprika. For beer, try with an Amber Ale; the malt sweetness and caramel notes of this beer work well with the richness of this cheese. WINESTYLES: Fruity red wines BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club! Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely! Click to learn more >

September Beer Club: Iowa

Posted on August 27, 2024 by mcginnessalex

Tired Hands Brewing Company
Freigeist Bierkultur
Alien Kirche
West Coast IPA
Ardmore, PA and Stolberg, Germany

Made in collaboration with Freigeist Bierkultur and Tired Hands Brewing, this beer is a West Coast IPA with a heavy amount of Columbus, Cascade, Citra, Mosaic, and Chinook hops.

ABV: 6% alcohol / volume
IBU: N/A
Style: West Coast IPA
Beer Style: Crisp & Clean

ABOUT TIRED HANDS BREWING COMPANY:
Tired Hands Brewing Company is a craft brewery based in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, known for its innovative and artfully crafted beers. Since its founding in 2011, Tired Hands has gained a devoted following for its commitment to quality and creativity, producing a diverse range of brews that push the boundaries of traditional styles. With a focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Tired Hands has become a staple in the craft beer community, celebrated for its distinct flavors, experimental brewing techniques, and inviting atmosphere. Learn more here, and follow them on Untappd.

ABOUT FREIGEIST BIERKULTUR:
Freigeist Bierkultur is a pioneering German craft brewery dedicated to reviving and reinventing traditional beer styles with a modern twist. Brewers, Peter Esser and Sebastian Sauer, embrace creativity and innovation, challenging conventions while staying true to the rich heritage of German brewing. Learn more here, and follow them on Untappd.

Fonta Flora Brewery
Freigeist Bierkultur
Märzen
Nebo, NC and Stolberg, Germany

This beautiful malt forward Märzen is brewed in collaboration with Freigeist Bierkultur.

ABV: 5.5% alcohol / volume
IBU: N/A
Style: Märzen
Beer Style: Malty & Sweet

ABOUT FONTA FLORA:
Fonta Flora Brewery fuses the essence of agriculture with the craft of brewing to create a diverse array of rustic and flavorful beers. Emphasizing the use of seasonal flora, Fonta Flora brings English tradition and Belgian inspiration to the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina. Learn more here, and follow them on Untappd.

Hoof Hearted Brewing
Everybody Wants Some!!
Double IPA Galaxy
Marengo, OH

Double IPA with galaxy hops.

ABV: 8% alcohol / volume
IBU: N/A
Style: Double IPA
Beer Style: Hoppy & Bitter

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Hoof Hearted Brewing has been turning tanks like cassette tapes since late 2011. Known throughout the industry for their expert hop-wrangling and flair for air guitar, they do everything possible to provide fresh, high-quality (and sometimes hi-test) brews to get the party started. Learn more here, and follow them on Untappd.

Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.
Kittens Summer
American Pale Wheat Ale
North Haven, CT

American Pale Wheat Ale w/ Citrus and Spices.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
IBU: N/A
Style: American Pale Wheat
Beer Style: Fruity & Spicy

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. is a small, seasonal homestead brewery, that opened for tastings and growler sales/fills out of their barn in August of 2016. They now have the ability to produce small and large batch beers under their name, with the help of Twelve Percent Beer Project. Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. specialize in extremely high quality small batch recipes, and are making every effort to support and promote local agriculture. Follow them on Untappd.

Follow WineStyles on Untappd

Don’t forget to follow your local WineStyles on the Untappd app and tag us when enjoying your Brew!

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BEER CLUB >

February Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on January 31, 2024 by mcginnessalex

Central Coast Creamery Seascape Semi-firm Cheese Paso Robles, California

This cheddar-like Cow and Goat milk blend has a velvety paste that will have you coming back for more! The Seascape name is inspired by a luxury resort in the Central Coast town of Aptos. The browned-butter notes of the cow milk meet in perfect harmony with the tangy and fruity goat’s milk to warm you up from the inside like grandma’s baked goods. It has aromas of warm, baked bread with a sweet and salty taste. Its texture is meltable, malleable, slightly elastic and semi-firm. AWARDS:

2015 – United States Cheese Championship – 3rd Place Award
2014 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – 3rd Place Award
2013 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – Best of Class
2012 – World Cheese Contest – Best of Class
2010 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – 2nd Place Award

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: A Chardonnay with a good balance of acidity and richness would be an excellent pairing with this cheese. As for beer, choose a Belgian-style Dubbel or a malty brown ale. WINESTYLES: Rich BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet ABOUT CENTRAL COAST CREAMERY: Central Coast Creamery is located near California’s coast in Paso Robles. The area itself was once home to a number of dairies; however, during the 1970s these independent farms lost their steam and were extinct by the end of the decade. Armed with 25 years of experience in the industry, Reggie Jones and his wife Kellie started the creamery hoping to rejuvenate the once burgeoning dairy scene. In true California spirit, all of their cheeses are made in primarily handmade, small batches using locally-sourced milk, free from artificial growth hormones, and aged on pine racks. Information and photo © Central Coast Creamery & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Cheeseland Inc. Ewephoria Extra Aged Holland

This new creation from Holland is unlike any other sheep milk cheese you have ever tasted before. The milk comes from a small farm where the sheep are treated like family. Even though this cheese has been aged for one year, it has developed a sweet and nutty flavor. This cheese tastes like candy! Experience it for dessert with red or green grapes. WINE & CRAFT BEER RECOMMENDATIONS: Serve with a juicy red Bordeaux. For beer, choose a malty and slightly sweet beer, such as a Belgian Dubbel or a bock. WINESTYLES: Fruity BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet ABOUT CHEESELAND INC.: Cheeseland Inc. is a renowned purveyor of premium cheeses, known for its commitment to quality and diverse selection. With a passion for showcasing the rich and varied flavors of cheeses from around the world, Cheeseland Inc. has become a trusted source for cheese enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Their offerings range from artisanal creations to timeless classics, reflecting a dedication to both traditional craftsmanship and innovation. Information and Photo © Cheeseland Inc. & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

December Beer Club: Iowa

Posted on November 29, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Ridgeway Brewing
Very Bad Elf
Amber Ale
South Stoke, Oxfordshire, England

This Very Bad Elf is one fine ale – rich, hardy, and flavorful. It is made based on an original 1795 Thames Valley recipe, with the very special pale amber malt – that is rarely used nowadays – creating nutty and sweet-roasted flavors. It is also balanced by a modest addition of English Fuggle aroma hops. Now sold out for 2023, we are lucky to share this with our Beer Club Members!

ABV: 7.5% alcohol / volume
IBU: 40
Style: Strong Amber Ale
Beer Style: Malty & Sweet
Size: 500ml

ABOUT RIDGEWAY BREWING:
Located in South Oxfordshire, Ridgeway Brewing was founded in 2002 by Peter Scholey, former head brewer at Brakspear and his wife, Vanda. The brewery takes its name from the ancient, long-distance footpath and trade route that passes just a few hundred yards from their front door in South Stoke. With their beers, they hope to create lasting experiences with “cutting edge tradition” – a match between heritage and modern tastes and technologies. Check them out on Untappd, or learn more about their company here.

Clown Shoes Beer
Snow on the Maple Tree
Imperial Stout
Boston, Massachusetts, USA

The Clown Shoes team takes their Undead Party Crasher American Imperial Stout and ages it in bourbon barrels (that are aged in premium maple syrup) to create Snow on the Maple Tree. This beer has a strong and sweet taste of maple that flows throughout, with dark malts providing a rich and full-bodied flavor.

ABV: 11% alcohol / volume
IBU: 45
Style: Stout – Imperial / Double
Beer Style: Dark & Roasty
Size: 19 oz.

ABOUT CLOWN SHOES BEER:
Founded in 2009, Clown Shoes was a result of a joke, some spite and a deep passion for craft beer. While they find clowns a bit questionable, everyone can agree their shoes are quite hilarious – a reminder of humility and to find humor in life. The team’s mission is to produce beer without pretension, while being free and a little crazy. Check them out on Untappd, or learn more about their company here.

Follow WineStyles on Untappd

Don’t forget to follow your local WineStyles on the Untappd app and tag us when enjoying your Brew!

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BEER CLUB >

January Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on December 23, 2021 by mcginnessalex

Ubriaco Pinot Rosé Veneto, Italy

This semi-firm cheese is crisp and salty in flavor with a light fruity aroma, highlighting notes of berry sorbet and ripe peach. It is soaked in organic La Jara Pinot Grigio rosé, retaining the flavors of the wine without the sharp, alcoholic bite being too present or overpowering. The blush colored rind is topped with dried rose petals, making it almost too pretty to eat. Milk Type: Cow – Pasteurized Rennet Type: Traditional Aging: Minimum 10 months Serving Suggestion: Enjoy crumbles of Ubriaco Pinot Rosé on a cheese plate with fresh strawberries, dark chocolate, and a Sparkling Rosé. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with a Prosecco wine or any crisp and clean beer like a Pilsner. WINESTYLES: Bubbly BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

Fromagerie L’Amuse Brabander Reserve Gouda (Black Betty) Holland

Also known as Black Betty, the Brabander Reserve is produced by world-renowned affineur, Betty Koster of Amsterdam’s L’Amuse Cheese Shop. Betty hand-selects a very limited number of wheels of Brabander (which are normally aged for 6-9 months) and ages them an additional 6 months, creating this ‘black-label’ version of her goat milk gouda that is only available from November to January. This Brabander Reserve has brown-buttery notes and a creamy bite with additional rich flavors of licorice, caramel, and pineapple. Each shop is only allowed a certain number of wheels each year… so, when it’s gone, it’s gone until next year! Milk Type: Goat – Pasteurized Rennet: Traditional/Hard Average Age: About 16 months WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with a fruity red wine, such as a Cru Beaujolais, or a dark, malty beer with bite such as a Doppelbock. WINESTYLES: Fruity BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

May Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on April 28, 2021 by mcginnessalex

Benning®
Mild Goats Milk Gouda
Holland

Benning® Mild Goats Milk Gouda is a semi-firm, pure white, versatile cheese that is fresh and mild in taste. It is made from light goats’ milk that is then formed into classic gouda-style wheels and aged to create a smooth and creamy textured cheese. This cheese is great for the pickiest of eaters. It is mildly tangy and slightly sweet with hints of caramel.

FOOD PAIRING: This cheese melts beautifully; eat as is, or slice/grate onto your favorite sandwich or pizza.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: The Benning® Mild Milk Gouda pairs well with dark and malty beers such as a malty Amber Ale. It also pairs nicely with a buttery Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or our May Wine Club Chenin Blanc.

WINESTYLES: Silky
BEERSTYLES: Dark & Roasty or Malty & Sweet

Cypress Grove®
Midnight Moon®
Holland

This aged goat milk cheese is made exclusively for Cypress Grove® in Holland. Aged for at least six-months, Midnight Moon® is an ivory-colored goat cheese with forward nutty and brown-buttery flavors, finish with long caramel notes. Similar to classic goudas, Midnight Moon® forms protein crystals as it ages, and lends to a slight crunch to the otherwise dense and smooth cheese. This goat cheese is known to convert even the pickiest of goat cheese critics!

AWARDS:

Best of Class, World Championship Cheese Contest 2010, 2020
Super Gold, World Cheese Awards 2015, 2018
Gold, World Cheese Awards 2014
Best New Product in Show, sofi Awards 2002
Silver, World Cheese Awards 2017
Silver Finalist, sofi Awards 2003
Third Place, World Championship Cheese Contest 2014
Bronze, World Cheese Awards 2016
Bronze, sofi Awards 2017

FOOD PAIRING: Serve with fig jams, seeded crackers, or bread

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: For wine, pair with Ice Wine, Sweet Sherry, Syrah or Zinfandel. As for beer, look for a Belgian Dark, Stout, or a Tripel.

WINESTYLES: Fruity or Bold
BEERSTYLES: Dark & Roasty, or Fruity & Spicy

ABOUT CYPRESS GROVE®, ARCATA, CALIFORNIA:
In the 1970’s, when pre-packed TV dinners and processed, rubber cheese were popular, a self-proclaimed “serious hippie” named Mary Keehn was on the hunt for something different. A mother a four, she wanted to find healthier milk for her children. Mary noticed her neighbor owned goats for brush control and asked if she could purchase two, at which the neighbor replied, “if you can catch ’em, you can have ’em”. Each day, Mary went out with grain until eventually she lured in her first two goats: Esmeralda and Hazel. These goats turned into four, and many more from there. With a lot of goats, came a lot of milk, and thus, Cypress Grove® was born! Learn more about their story here.

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Tag Archives: Malty & Sweet

November Cheese Club: Iowa

Artequeso Buenalba Vino Blanco Semicured Sheep Cheese with White Wine Tembleque, Spain

Artequeso Buenalba Al Pimentón Sheep Cheese with Paprika Tembleque, Spain

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

September Beer Club: Iowa

Tired Hands Brewing Company
Freigeist Bierkultur
Alien Kirche
West Coast IPA
Ardmore, PA and Stolberg, Germany

Fonta Flora Brewery
Freigeist Bierkultur
Märzen
Nebo, NC and Stolberg, Germany

Hoof Hearted Brewing
Everybody Wants Some!!
Double IPA Galaxy
Marengo, OH

Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.
Kittens Summer
American Pale Wheat Ale
North Haven, CT

February Cheese Club: Iowa

Central Coast Creamery Seascape Semi-firm Cheese Paso Robles, California

Cheeseland Inc. Ewephoria Extra Aged Holland

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

December Beer Club: Iowa

Clown Shoes Beer
Snow on the Maple Tree
Imperial Stout
Boston, Massachusetts, USA