Host the Ultimate Holiday Cheese Tasting Party

A Journey Through Pineland Farms’ Award-Winning Cheddars

Introduction

Host a holiday cheese tasting party featuring Pineland Farms’ award-winning cheddars, especially the rich and complex Vintage Cheddar! Discover the art of cheddar with tasting tips, festive pairings, and a contest for cheese lovers. Celebrate the holidays with a festive cheddar tasting party featuring Pineland Farms cheddars. With unique flavor profiles ranging from creamy and mild to bold and smoky, each cheese offers guests a rich tasting experience. At the heart of this holiday lineup is our award-winning Vintage Cheddar — a 4-year-aged cheddar with a depth and complexity that will leave taste buds wanting more. Here’s how to host a fun, professional-quality cheese tasting event that’s sure to impress!

holiday vintage cheddar tasting

Step 1: Set the Stage

Create a cozy, holiday ambiance to make your guests feel welcome. Use a wooden board or slate to arrange the cheeses and add name labels for each type. Enhance the holiday spirit with seasonal touches like sprigs of rosemary, fresh cranberries, or soft string lights.

For a professional touch, download our free scorecards and tasting prompts so guests can fully engage with each cheddar.

Step 2: Curate Your Cheddar Lineup

Guide guests through a structured tasting journey featuring the full range of Pineland Farms cheddars. Here’s the recommended order:

  1. Classic Cheddar – A mild, creamy start.
  2. Southwest Cheddar – Adds a gentle, warming spice.
  3. Sharp Cheddar – Bolder flavors with delightful “cheese crystals.”
  4. Smoked Cheddar – Earthy and savory with natural smoke flavor.
  5. Reserve Cheddar – Aged 2 years for intense sharpness and texture.
  6. Vintage Cheddar – The grand finale: award-winning, bold, and deeply layered.

Spotlight on Vintage Cheddar:

This ACS-winning cheddar is celebrated for its complexity, achieved through a careful two-year aging process. Its flavor is intense, with nutty and caramelized notes, and a finish that’s both sharp and creamy. Vintage Cheddar deserves to be the centerpiece of your holiday tasting.

Step 3: Guide Your Guests with “See, Smell, Savor & Score”

Help guests experience each cheddar like a professional cheese taster by guiding them through the senses:

  1. See the Cheese – Encourage guests to start by observing each cheddar’s appearance. Look for color (from pale to deep golden), texture (smooth, crumbly, or dotted with crystals), and thickness of each slice.
  2. Smell the Aroma – Smell each cheddar before tasting. For example, the Smoked Cheddar has earthy, smoky aromas, while the Vintage Cheddar reveals deeper, nutty notes.
  3. Savor the Taste – Take small bites and let the flavors unfold on the palate. Notice how the cheese evolves in flavor and texture, from creamy and smooth to crumbly and sharp.
  4. Score the Experience – Rate each cheddar on a scale of 1–5 for each of the senses abovc then count up your scores to determine the overall winner. Encourage guests to pick a favorite, and perhaps declare Vintage Cheddar the holiday winner!

Step 4: Pair It Up – Festive Beverage Pairings

Pair each cheddar with complementary wines, local Maine beers, and non-alcoholic options. Here are some pairing ideas to elevate the tasting experience:

  • Classic Cheddar:
    • Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a mild sparkling wine.
    • Beer: Allagash White, a Belgian-style wheat beer with a mild flavor.
    • Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling apple cider for a crisp, refreshing complement.
  • Southwest Cheddar:
    • Wine: Chilled Riesling balances the spice with sweetness.
    • Beer: Maine Beer Company’s Peeper Pale Ale, which complements the spice with bright, citrusy notes.
    • Non-Alcoholic: Pineapple spritzer adds a touch of tropical sweetness.
  • Sharp Cheddar:
    • Wine: Bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a robust red.
    • Beer: Lone Pine’s Portland Pale Ale for a refreshing, hoppy balance.
    • Non-Alcoholic: Cranberry spritzer brings tartness that matches the cheddar’s bold flavors.
  • Smoked Cheddar:
    • Wine: Smoky Chardonnay or Merlot.
    • Beer: Bunker Brewing’s Machine Pils, which has a smooth, slightly malty taste.
    • Non-Alcoholic: Pomegranate juice or a smoky black tea like Lapsang Souchong for added depth.
  • Reserve Cheddar:
    • Wine: Full-bodied Bordeaux or Malbec enhances richness.
    • Beer: Sebago Brewing’s Frye’s Leap IPA for a bold, hoppy contrast.
    • Non-Alcoholic: Black cherry sparkling juice, providing a fruity balance.
  • Vintage Cheddar:
    • Wine: Aged Port or a robust Pinot Noir. Mulled Wine or Glühwein (warm, spiced wine) is also a wonderful, festive pairing for its richness and warmth.
    • Beer: Allagash North Sky Stout brings out the cheddar’s complexity with dark, roasted malt flavors.
    • Non-Alcoholic: Spiced chai or non-alcoholic red grape juice, which highlights Vintage Cheddar’s complexity with rich, warm flavors.

Step 5: Add Perfect Accompaniments

Consider these accompaniments for a complete tasting experience:

  • Crackers & Bread: Provide a variety of textures for tasting.
  • Seasonal Fruits: Fresh apple slices, pears, or dried cranberries add a sweet contrast.
  • Nuts & Spices: Almonds or walnuts add crunch; a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg gives a holiday touch.
  • Pickles or Olives: Tangy and briny options balance the creamy textures of the cheese.
  • Honey or Fig Jam: Adds a festive sweetness to enhance flavor complexity.

Step 6: Invite Guests to Join the Fun – Enter to Win!

Make this tasting event even more memorable with our holiday contest! Create your own festive Pineland Farms cheddar tasting event and share the experience for a chance to win a Pineland Farms gift basket filled with delicious cheeses and goodies.

How to Enter:

  1. Host & Capture – Set up your Pineland Farms cheese tasting and snap some photos.
  2. Submit – Send photos, scorecards, and any notes to pr@pinelandfarms.org or tag @pinelandfarmsdairy on social media with the hashtag #PinelandCheddarTasting.
  3. Win – A lucky winner will be randomly selected in the new year and will receive a Pineland Farms Charcuterie Basket from the Pineland Farms Market in New Gloucester, Maine (local pickup is required).

Contest Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years or older to enter.
  • Photos must feature Pineland Farms cheeses.
  • Limit one entry per person.
  • Contest ends on 12/31/2024 at 11:59 PM (EST)

Step 7: Download Your Free Cheese Tasting Kit

For a fully immersive experience, download our Holiday Cheese Tasting Kit, which includes:

  • Tasting Scorecards: Spaces for “See, Scent, Savor & Score” notes.
  • Holiday Tasting Guide: Quick guide to scoring for each of your senses.
  • Cheese Labels: Labels for each Pineland Farms cheddar cheese plus 2 blank labels for cheeses of your choice

Download Pineland Farms Holiday Cheese Tasting

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