482: FLX Cider & Cheese Pairing with Cheesemonger Rachel Freier

At the New York Cider Fest in November, there were 2 Cider and Cheese sessions. Cider Chat Emcee Ria Windcaller attended one featuring ciders from 4 different makers. This cider and cheese pairing was led by Rachel Freier, a cheesemonger who is based in the Finger Lakes. She brought deep knowledge, humor, and a whole lot of heart as we tasted our way through four ciders and three cheeses.

Cider Chat Episode 482 Feature NY Cider and Cheese on barrel

Below are the highlights from this lively session.

Northern Spy & Humboldt Fog

Cider: Eve’s Cidery Northern Spy
Cheese: Humboldt Fog, Cypress Grove

Northern Spy’s bright acidity and mineral pop made it the ideal opener. Humboldt Fog’s creamy center, ash line, and bloomy rind created a dynamic pairing—bubbles lifting the richness, acidity sharpening the flavor.

Gnarly Branch Rosé & Goat Cheese

Cider: Idiot Brother Gnarly Branch Rosé

Cab Franc skins, crab apples, and Northern Spy gave this cider a floral, savory depth. Rachel compared it to pairing goat cheese with honey—high acid, light tannin, and a touch of fruit meeting creamy, tangy cheese.

Kingston Black & Harvest Moon

Cider: Briar Mere Kingston Black
Cheese: Harvest Moon, Five Spoke Creamery

Kingston Black evolved beautifully in barrel and bottle, landing squarely beside Harvest Moon’s umami sweetness. A pairing with depth, structure, and a nod to Normandy traditions.

Chisel Jersey & Petite Basque

Cider: South Hill Cider Chisel Jersey
Cheese: Petite Basque

Made using the French méthode kévée, Chisel Jersey offered natural sparkle and gentle sweetness—an elegant match for the buttery, nutty sheep’s milk cheese.

Why This Tasting Matters

This session captured why cider and cheese belong together—acidity, texture, tannin, and terroir all weaving into one unforgettable table. It also highlighted why the Finger Lakes is becoming one of the most compelling cider regions to visit.