A Taste of the Island:

Pairing Artisan Cheeses with King Island Gins

King Island is like nowhere else on earth - where the roaring forties meet lush pastures and pure rainwater shapes everything from the botanicals that flavour our gins to the milk that makes our award-winning cheeses. So, it feels only natural to bring the two together. 

Pairing gin and cheese is all about balance — matching textures, botanicals, and aromas so that each sip and bite enhances the other. Whether you’re hosting friends, curating a tasting board, or simply unwinding at sunset, here’s how to bring King Island’s finest together. 

King Island Coastal Gin + King Island Dairy Cape Wickham Double Brie 

The pairing: Creamy + Coastal 

The signature King Island Coastal Gin — with its bright citrus lift and touch of oceanic salt — finds perfect harmony with a rich, buttery brie. The gin’s clean botanicals cut through the creaminess, while the brie’s mellow texture softens the juniper and amplifies the gin’s subtle coastal salinity. 

Serve suggestion: Pour Coastal Gin over ice with a splash of soda and a twist of lemon. Serve alongside a wedge of Cape Wickham Double Brie, fresh pear slices, and a drizzle of King Island honey. 

Gidley Dry Gin + King Island Dairy Roaring Forties Blue 

The pairing: Bold + Balanced 

The Gidley Dry Gin is bold and aromatic, with classic juniper depth and a peppery edge — making it an ideal match for the island’s famed Roaring Forties Blue. The creamy tang of the blue cheese mellows the gin’s spice, while the gin’s citrus botanicals lift the rich, savoury notes of the cheese. 

Serve suggestion: Try a Gidley Dry Gin martini — chilled, with a lemon twist. Serve with blue cheese, crisp apple, and roasted walnuts for a perfect mix of salty, sweet, and aromatic. 

Coastal Gin Spritz + King Island Dairy Smoked Cheddar 

The pairing: Light + Layered 

For warm evenings, a Coastal Gin Spritz with soda, elderflower, and grapefruit offers freshness and lift. When paired with Smoked Cheddar, the sweetness of the spritz contrasts beautifully with the cheddar’s savoury, smoky finish — creating a layered experience that’s easy and elegant. 

Serve suggestion: Build the spritz over ice in a wine glass and garnish with grapefruit. Serve with smoked cheddar cubes, prosciutto, and roasted almonds. 

Each pairing celebrates craftsmanship, provenance, and the island’s unmistakable sense of place. If you’re down on King Island, stop by the King Island Distillery Bass Strait Tasting Room and enjoy some locally sourced cheeses and King Island Distillery Bass Strait spirits, perfectly paired in our White Spirit Tastings. For more information visit https://kingislanddistillery.com.au/tasting-room

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