Gubbeen

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some beer and cheese?

Gubbeen means "small mouth" in the Irish language. But the name of this cheese refers to the body of water near where it's made, certainly not the size of the bite you'll want to take of it.

Gubbeen has an intense, nutty flavor and a big smell. Made in County Cork, the raw cow's milk cheese resembles some fine French ones, notably Reblochon.

Gubbeen is just a bit firmer, and also differentiates itself with a pleasant, ever-so-slight smokiness.

PAIRINGS: Serve Gubbeen with a pint of Beamish or Murphy's, two Cork-brewed stouts that are each just a bit sweeter than Dublin's Guinness.