Whey Cool

by

Editorial Policy

Published on

Last updated on

[W]ere a coffee and cheese (and ultimately, coffee cheese) project to emerge out of the greater coffee world, that project is almost guaranteed to originate in Denmark. “It’s the most classic combination in Denmark, to have rye bread with cheese and a cup of coffee,” says Klaus Thomsen, Copenhagen’s resident coffee celebrity and the founder of roasting company The Coffee Collective. Denmark is known for producing good cheese, and thanks to Thomsen, the Danes are also earning a reputation as purveyors of fine micro-roasted beans.

CoffeeCheseEarlier this year Thomsen, 2006 World Barista Champion, took it upon himself to take coffee-cheese rapport to the next level. In collaboration with Mads Østergaard-Clausen, innovation manager at cheese maker Unika, Thomsen set out to create coffee cheeses blending Coffee Collective’s direct-trade roasts with some of the region’s best dairy. Still in its prototype phase, the project’s two initial blends combined a full-bodied Yukro from Ethiopia and flowery Finca Vista Hermosa from Guatemala into about seventy-seven pounds of cheese. The cheeses will age for eight months and, if matured well, the recipes will make it to the next phase of production.

According to Thomsen, the relationship between the two is naturally complementary. “When you eat good cheese your mouth is getting covered by fats from the cheese,” he says. “When you then drink a warm liquid after, the fats dissolve and both cleanse your mouth and release some retronasal aromas.” He sees cheese and coffee as superior to more obvious pairings, like cheese and wine, and cites the most difficult aspect of the innovative project as the wait to see how the blends work out. “It’ll be a while before this is available to the public,” says Thomsen, “But good things come to those who wait—as the cheese guys reminded me.”

Share This Article

Regan Crisp

Join 7,000+ coffee pros and get top stories, deals, and other industry goodies in your inbox each week.

Other Articles You May Like

What’s the Deal with Mushroom Coffee?

Many brands are launching new products pairing mushrooms and coffee. A look at science and history reveals what’s driving this pairing.
by Leah Bowman | September 20, 2023

What You Need to Know About Barista Certification Programs 

Barista certification programs promise to teach learners new skills and can help with career advancement. But do they fulfill that promise? 
by Valorie Clark | July 21, 2023

The Cup In Hand: How Shape and Design Affect Coffee Drinking

The shape, weight, and feel of a cup can have a significant impact on the way you experience the flavor of coffee.
by Mikey Rinaldo | March 22, 2023

The Challenges of Coffee Certifications Go Beyond The Retail Shelf

Coffee certifications can be a valuable tool for farmers and roasters—but can be cost-prohibitive and difficult to navigate. We explore the benefits and challenges of certification programs before a coffee ever reaches the shelf.
by Anne Mercer | February 24, 2023