This is a reproduction of a beer, wine, and cheese pairing I did with LoMo Phillips for a Stanford alumni event.
The Unbearable Weight of Impeccable Taste
Tom Cruise is the world’s last great movie star. A testament to the power of flawless execution, his everyman-but-better sweet spot virtually guarantees summer blockbuster success. Tom Cruise is comfort food: consistently enjoyable but rarely memorable.[1]
Nicolas Cage could not be more different. While perhaps best known for his Cruise-esque roles in mainstream movies like National Treasure, Face/Off, and The Rock, his forays into relatability often carry a certain off-flavor. The unsophisticated viewer might conclude a failure of ability; being denied the pleasure of a Cage role well suited to his unique talents. They would be mistaken.
You, intrepid guest, are far from unsophisticated (as indicated by your superb discretion in weekday recreational activities). Nevertheless, you may not yet be fully acquainted with the near-mystical power[2] of Nic Cage well-utilized. Fear not: we aim to enlighten.
At his best, Cage embodies the unexpected sweetness of insight arising from the implausible. In Vampire’s Kiss, Cage’s Peter Loew personifies 80’s capitalism in a way Leo never could[3]; his character’s descent into madness (he believes himself a vampire) satirizing the insanity of Wall Street. In Raising Arizona, his H.I. McDunnough (a convenience store robber) gains conviction of his parenting ability only after kidnapping and eventually returning one of several newsworthy babies. And in Pig, his reclusive Rob Feld finds meaning in a deep and ultimately tragic relationship with his truffle-foraging partner-in-swine.[4]
Such discovery need not be limited to cinema, and Cage himself has personal experience. Nic told interviewers that upon wrapping a movie, he celebrates with fried chicken and champagne: an “absolutely unforgettable” taste sensation first introduced to him by his father.[5]
In honor of Nicolas Cage, we proudly present a beer, wine, and cheese pairing that stretches the bounds of “good taste” while still producing…good taste. Today’s cheeses span a variety of styles, but in common challenge the conventional. Their unusual pairings have been carefully chosen to highlight their eccentricity while still maintaining approachability.
I said, “I’m going to get off philosophy,” because I became like a kite with a string but no anchor. No one could understand what I was talking about. And I thought people would rather see me as an orangutan than as an eagle meditating on the mountaintop anyway.
-Nicolas Cage
[1] In fairness, this has more to do with Cruise’s business acumen than a lack of talent. See Collateral, Magnolia, Tropic Thunder for prime Cruise acting.
[2] According to Cage, the mysticism is real. And if it is, his pyramid tomb in New Orleans (yes, really) is likely the locus of said mysticism.
[3] In The Wolf of Wall Street, that is.
[4] I know this is a horrible line, but how many times can I say “pig” in one sentence, anyway?
[5] At the age of nine.
Pairing Menu
Cheese: Barely Buzzed (Espresso & Lavender Rubbed Cheddar)
The espresso and lavender rub imparts notes of butterscotch and caramel, which are prevalent near the rind, but find their way to the center of the cheese. This is a full-bodied cheese with a nutty flavor and smooth texture.
Beer Pairing: Barebottle Unground Gems (Coffee Amber Ale)
Expect flavors of toffee, caramel, green coffee and nutty undertones balanced with a citrusy hop character. A gentle sweetness from the yeast rounds out the experience.
Wine Pairing: 2019 Réserve Grand Marchand Cabernet Sauvignon
On the nose, you’ll get hints of light pepper spice, vanilla, leather, and dark red fruit. Rich cassis flavors balance well with fresh acidity on the palate.
Cheese: Isigny Sainte-Mère Mimolette
Inspired by Dutch Edam, it has since gone in a unique direction; the appearance and floral aroma of the rind is the work of tiny mites, specially evolved to cheese. Its electric-orange paste has sweet, caramelized depth and smooth, fudgy finish; maybe the pairings will help you forget about the bugs.
Beer Pairing: Dogfish Head 90 Minute (Imperial IPA)
One of the first imperial IPAs, 90 Minute still distinguishes itself by balancing its assertive hop character with a heaping helping of malt. Expect a full mouthfeel with flavors of brandied fruitcake, raisin, and citrus with heavy pine and citrus hop aroma.
Wine Pairing: 2018 Talley Estate Chardonnay
Fresh pear, lemon curd, and melon aromas are complemented by hints of jasmine and salted butter. Silky and energetic in the mouth, offering juicy Meyer lemon and buttered toast flavors, with a quick zing of candied ginger.
Cheese: Cowgirl Creamery Red Hawk (washed rind cow’s cheese)
Red Hawk is for the bold, conveying the character of coastal Northern California. Beyond its rough and rowdy aroma, this cheese has a rich and meaty flavor with balanced notes of cured meats, wild sage, and a kiss of ocean air. Fun-kay!
Beer Pairing: St. Bernardus Abt. 12 (Belgian Quadrupel)
Big aromas of banana, tropical fruit, raisins, spices and rum leap from the glass, as would be expected of the style. The flavors come through as intensely fruity, with notes of banana, pineapple, as well as spicy clove, añejo rum and anise. The malt expresses itself as soft and slightly bready, and a dark, somewhat rummy candy sugar flavor.
Wine Pairing: 2021 Bedrock Wine Co. Old Vine Zinfandel
Just as the name suggests, the majority of the vines used to make this wine are 80+ years old. Rich with berry scents on the nose, you’re hit with lively black cherry and cracked pepper on the palate, giving way to some zesty tannins.