Years ago, when I was thinking about extra part time jobs I might take on, I had this idea that I could set up an ice cream van that dispensed soft serve goats milk cheese. The brand was going to be "I Can't Believe This Came Out Of A Goat!" It never happened.
This evening I was reminded of the idea when I pulled a chunk of bouc émissaire, a young raw goat milk cheese by Fromagerie Chaput of Quebec. Tangy creamy goodness with just that hint of goat. Goatiness is a bit of a twist for the English-speaking palate even if it makes great strawberry softie swirl. But it's just fine with spicy Belgian pale ale like Zot or the Het Anker Margriet I picked up at the LCBO today, on sale for an insanely cheap $1.80 a bottle. Tang on tang. I imagine a tripel or saison would do the trick as well. Or not. Style goes only so far to explain actual taste.
Is this pairing? I suppose. But if it was pairing it would be monogamous and that would be the end of the explorations. And, worse, it might even be an arranged marriage where I tell you that it's the best thing going so you better take my word for it. Rubbish. You might hate this combo. Go find your own damn goat cheese.






Comments
Bailey - February 21, 2010 5:07 AM
Is that goats cheese on top of the beer in the glass...?
Alan - February 21, 2010 10:02 AM
I now only have my beer with a dollop of goat cheese mousse piled upon it.
P of K - February 21, 2010 4:12 PM
Uh-oh. I fear this post will stimulate another "art of the pour" discussion.
Jeff Alworth - February 22, 2010 1:32 AM
Apropos of nothing (except, if I had to justify this comment, your title), but have you ever had Smeirlap (aka Taras Boulba)? I have no idea if it would pair nicely with goat cheese. My comments here: http://beervana.blogspot.com/2008/06/smeirlap-taras-boulba-de-la-senne.html
(Yes, the "pair" was intentional. Impish!)
Todd Lee - January 20, 2011 7:24 PM
Cariboo Brewing have been pumping out great beers for the last couple years (including a draft, honey lager, and cream ale) but this year will finally see the release of the Cariboo Pale Ale.