5 cheese pairing ideas with Laura Bradley, Indie Fude

What’s on your dream cheeseboard?
This is something we ponder all of the time in our stores – usually while tasting with a customer planning a special occasion, or deliberating over a new addition to the counter. Despite exclusively stocking Irish cheese we are absolutely spoilt for choice! My thoughts change with my mood and the seasons, but currently, there’s a few that stand out – and may very well come home with me this evening…

Every good cheeseboard needs something soft and indulgent, and the recent wheels of Dunmore, a brie style from Larry at Galway Cheese are absolute stunners. 6 weeks old and it’s at it’s fudgey best.

Back in the counter for the Spring, Summer season is the Rockfield Sheep cheese from Velvet Cloud, in Mayo. Sheep cheese is one of my favourites and it’s seasonality is what makes it even more special. Sweetly lactic with a salty tang. Great on a cheeseboard, but incredible on a salad too. Think feta, with extra oomph and depth!

One of my personal favourites is Templegall from Hegarty’s Cheese is Whitechurch, County Cork. The combination of rich Irish grass, superb farming practises and the development skills of Jean Baptiste mean this raw milk, 9 month aged alpine style gem is hard to compete with. Savoury on the palate - veg broth and roasted almonds come to mind – but bright and fruity at the same time.

You can’t have a cheeseboard without a blue, in my house anyway! And that spot is almost always reserved for Young Buck from Mike’s Fancy Cheese. Our companies have grown together, as has the demand! Another raw milk beauty, based on an old stilton recipe, but full of it’s own unique character. Irresistibly creamy, tropical and salty.

Last but not least I would almost always sneak something from Siobhan at St Tola in Co Clare. She’s renowned for many reason – including her superb dance moves. But Siobhan and her teams goat rearing and cheesemaking abilities are what keep her cheese a constant at Indie Füde. Their ash log is as elegant as it is full flavoured. Bright white beyond its ash jacket – a creamy mouthfeel bursting with citrus.

What’s your all-time favourite cheese pairing?
Ballylisk Triple Rose and Dunville’s PX 10 year old Single Malt. I recently spent a wonderful day with Mark at Ballylisk learning more about the production of their superb range. We rounded the day off by experimenting with some pairings. These two stunning local delicacies worked to highlight each other wonderfully. And I won’t deny having enjoyed it a number of times since!

Any unusual pairings you’d recommend?
Coolattin Cheddar, Summerhill Honey and Lavender. Honey is one of my favourite pairings on a cheeseboard, but the addition of an infusion, or some dried petals really amps up the flavour.

What do you love to drink with cheese?
So many wonderful options available – and the old school classics of red wine and port are always a good option. However during the Summer months I tend to prefer a
local IPA (Modest Beer ‘Dreaming of Far Off Lands’ or Bullhouse ‘Brick’ being my current local favourites) or a crisp cider!

What must-have cheese kit would you recommend?
In store we would be lost without our cheese wire and dutch knife. However for home use a nice set of cheese knives designed for clean cuts on your favourite style of cheese are all you really need to make your life a little easier – and your cheese happier. That and some good quality bees wax paper to look after the leftovers… if you have any!