The Perfect Pairing: Cheese & Honey

At Paxton & Whitfield, we are passionate about the art of cheese pairing. Among the many accompaniments that enhance the flavours of our finest cheeses, honey stands out as a perfect partner. This natural, golden nectar, with its rich and varied flavour profile, complements the intricate tastes of artisan cheeses. In this blog, we'll explore why honey is an exceptional companion to cheese and highlight how it pairs beautifully with some of our favourites: Cashel Blue, Mothais Sur Feuille, Cullum, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Honey is considered one of the world’s earliest condiments and its pairing with cheese can be traced back to Roman times. The combination of cheese with its creamy, salty flavour profile and the sweet and silky drizzle of honey is a simple yet satisfying pairing.

Cashel Blue, a creamy, semi-soft blue cheese from Ireland, is renowned for its rich, tangy flavour and buttery texture. When paired with honey, the sweetness cuts through the cheese's tanginess, creating a delightful balance. At Paxton & Whitfield, we recommend pairing Cashel Blue with a light, floral honey Acacia Honey. The subtle sweetness of acacia honey accentuates the creamy notes of the cheese without overpowering its distinct blue characteristics.

Mothais Sur Feuille, a soft goat's cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves, hails from the Poitou-Charentes region of France. This cheese offers a delicate, earthy flavour with a hint of nuttiness. The chestnut leaves add an extra layer of complexity, imparting a woody aroma. Pairing Mothais Sur Feuille with honey, especially chestnut honey, brings out the earthy and nutty notes of the cheese, however, our Acacia Honey also makes a marvellous pairing.

Cullum, our exclusive cheese made from sheep's milk, has a firm texture, with a well-balanced sweet and savoury flavour. Like the classic Spanish tradition of enjoying Manchego with honey, Cullum and honey also make a mouthwatering pairing. The honey enhances the rich, nutty flavours of Cullum, while its sweetness provides a delightful contrast to the cheese's mild tanginess.

Parmigiano Reggiano, an Italian favourite boasts a granular texture and a sharp, umami-rich flavour. This popular cheese is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whilst Parmigiano Reggiano is a key ingredient in so many wonderful recipes, have you tried enjoying this amazing cheese on your cheese board? With the most satisfying texture, with the little crunch that comes from its age, and the bright pineapple-like acidity, it's a cheese that fully deserves to be in the spotlight. One of the most delicious ways to savour Parmigiano Reggiano is with honey. We recommend pairing it with a robust honey, such as our Truffle Honey, to complement its intense flavour profile. The combination of Parmigiano Reggiano's savoury, nutty notes with the aromatic, earthy sweetness of truffle honey is truly a match made in heaven.

At Paxtons, we believe that the right pairing can elevate your cheese-tasting experience. Honey, with its diverse range of flavours and textures, is an ideal companion to artisan cheese. Whether you are enjoying the tangy richness of Cashel Blue, the earthy elegance of Mothais Sur Feuille, the savouriness of Cullum, or the umami depth of Parmigiano Reggiano, honey adds a sweet symphony that enhances every bite. Explore these pairings and discover why we think honey and artisan cheese are a perfect match.