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Perfect Pairings With Patrick McGuigan, The Cheese Expert

In the spirit of festive indulgence, we’ve welcomed three truly exquisite artisanal cheese boxes to our Christmas shop that will take your party platters to a new level of extravagance, but before you start pairing, let’s get an expert’s opinion.

Patrick McGuigan is a cheese connoisseur and writer famed for travelling the world to interview the world’s best cheesemakers. A senior judge at the World Cheese Awards, we couldn’t think of a better man to give his take on how best to pair to these beautiful cheeses.

Over to Patrick…

Christmas isn't Christmas without a fully loaded cheese board. And the good news is there has never been so many delicious British cheeses to choose from, thanks to a remarkable cheesemaking revival in this country. From goat and sheep's milk cheeses to blues, bries and goudas, there's something for everyone in these carefully curated collections. A few tips to get the best from your board: serve cheese at room temperature. The flavour really opens up. And turn it into a festive feast with some creative accompaniments. Think a drizzle of honey, a dollop of chill jam or even panettone with blue cheese. Cheese season is here!  

Flavours of Christmas Artisan Cheese Box

Festive colours and flavours abound in this trio of cheeses, so keep the accompaniments simple. The savoury tang of cloth-bound Rutland Red is intensified by sticky red onion marmalade, while the cheesecake sweetness of Wensleydale and Cranberries requires nothing more than a sourdough cracker. A fruity IPA works with all three, especially the honeyed cheddar. 

British Champions Artisan Cheese Box

Ash-rolled Driftwood goat's log looks French, but actually hails from Somerset. A lick of honey and the toasty notes of English sparkling wine are perfect partners for its lemony interior, while chilli jam takes brie-style Bath Soft to exciting new places - the fruity heat cuts through the goo. When it comes to cheddar, the crunch of piccalilli is always the answer. 

A Cornish Christmas Artisan Cheese Box

Move over Stilton and Christmas cake. Buttery Cornish Blue purrs with hints of fruit and spice when it's paired with panettone. Likewise, sweet, nutty Cornish Gouda is lifted by a handful of honey roast pecans or try nettle-wrapped Yarg with Pinot Noir. The leafy rind echoes the earthy notes in the red wine. Comfort and joy. 

Choose your cheese box today and be entered into an incredible prize draw, and have fun browsing our top picks for creating the most exquisite cheese boards.