WITH oatcakes and cheese on the menu, you’d be forgiven for thinking I’d be heading for a port, or at least a robust red. I actually prefer a white wine with good acidity to go with the cheeseboard, especially when the board includes a brie or a decent goat’s cheese. You should definitely try a glass of Sancerre with Crottin de Chavignol, a lovely cheese which is made in the same region as the wine.
However, as crowdie was traditionally consumed before a ceilidh to line the stomach and lessen the effects of the whisky that would inevitably be consumed at the dance, I thought this week we should taste a dram or two.
Whisky works really well with cheese, and it puts a different spin on the end of the evening. I prefer an approachable, slightly sweeter malt with the Isle of Arran Extra Mature Cheddar, a Strathdon Blue from Tain or, of course, a well-made crowdie. A nice Highland or Speyside malt should fit the bill.
If you want to match Arran with Arran, try a generous serving of the cheddar above with a large glass of the Arran Sauternes Cask Finish (Inverarity One to One, £45.99). Officially part of the Highland region, despite its apparent island status, Arran has become one of my favourite distilleries. It produces a marvellous range of approachable drams, some of which are becoming very collectable. Well done if you managed to secure any of the recently released Smugglers’ Series.
The Balvenie 12 year old Doublewood (Tesco, £39). David Stewart MBE (for services to the whisky industry) is the malt master (master distiller) at Balvenie, and he crafts some lovely drams. The Doublewood is so named for the extra maturation time the whisky receives in sherry casks following the initial, longer spell in bourbon barrels. It is a smooth and approachable dram, and perfect for quaffing with the cheeseboard.
Riverflow Speyside Single Malt by Morrison and MacKay (Inverarity One to One, £31.99). This is an exceptional single malt from Banffshire at a very affordable price. Unfortunately, I’m sworn to secrecy as to the actual name of the distillery … but if you pop into the shop I’ll give you a taste and tell you exactly where it comes from. As long as you promise not to tell anyone else. Slainte!
Pete Stewart is Glasgow director of Inverarity One To One, 185a Bath Street, Glasgow (0141 221 5121) www.inverarity121.com
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