Guinness Cheddar launches into the US, and we threw one heck of a party to celebrate.

If you missed the event of summer’s biggest food tradeshow, here’s the rundown

When it comes to having a good time, I’m all in – and you who know me will agree. I must be Irish! After all, few nations are as committed to the art of the Great Party as the Emerald Isle. On June 29th – the day before the Summer Fancy Food Show kickoff – the Irish, the wannabe Irish and cheese lovers got together on a rooftop on Fifth Avenue to show ‘em how it’s done.

We assembled all the essentials for a great summer party in NYC as Atalanta introduced Guinness Cheddar

I love to put together a party. And since this party had an Irish theme, I looked no further than St. Patty’s Day for inspiration. The three most important ingredients for a great St Patrick’s Day party are alcohol, entertainment and good hearty food; so as the sun set customers, retailers, distributors and friends of “the Black Stuff” gathered to raise a glass and celebrate with the makers of Guinness Cheddar, Windyridge, atop New York City’s Midtown Lofts & Terraces on 5th Avenue.

So what’s this celebration all about? What foodies love best: a new flavor! British cheesemakers Windyridge, from the Somerset area of the UK, secured a three-year licensing deal with Guinness in 2017 to produce this new Guinness Cheddar cheese, which has become available across the UK and Ireland, and now – within the next few weeks – across the US as well. You’ll find it in the deli section of better grocery stores such as Publix in beautiful wax-coated rounds.

A smaller, limited-edition version is also set for launch later in the year, aiming to target the snacking market, according to Windyridge.

The cheese is matured to complement the “bold,” “malty” and “full-bodied” taste of the stout infusion. An exciting new taste for all us foodies. That’s something to celebrate!

Guinness Cheddar is ideal to enjoy at a party, at home or – could it be more appropriate? – a soccer game

Guinness’ first venture into cheese is set to target Guinness fans, “cheese connoisseurs” and consumers seeking unique experiences. We had plenty of all three at the launch party. We also had media reps there, including our friends from Culture magazine. What a great way to launch a new product! I am still getting positive comments about the fun everyone had at our launch event.

The evening could not have been more perfect at New York City’s Midtown high rise

Guests were treated to the spectacular top-floor view overlooking the Empire State Building and the NYC skyline. Professional chefs were onsite, busily preparing Guinness Cheddar samples and appetizers that show off the cheese’s unique taste and “cookability” qualities, including:

·        Grilled Guinness Cheese sandwiches

·        Irish Pub Salad with Tarragon Dressing

·        Corned Beef and Cabbage Spring Rolls with Mustard Sauce

·        Mini-shepherd Pies

·        Chocolate Stout Brownies

·        Individual Bread Puddings with Toffee Brandy Sauce

Lovely Guinness Ambassadors helped us all find food, drinks and of course a wee pint o’ Guinness. The live band, including an Irish fiddler, kept toes tapping as we made new friends. As for me, I’m not just a party princess; I’m always eager to learn new skills. The bartenders from “Pour Me” taught me a trick that should prove valuable for a Guinness Cheddar marketer: how to pour a pint. Practice makes perfect! You try it, too.

How to Pour a Perfect Glass of Guinness

1.      Choose a clean, dry, tulip-shaped pint glass.

2.      Pull the beer tap toward you with the glass at a 45 degree angle to prevent the beer from frothing. The wider neck of the glass allows nitrogen bubbles to move down the side of the glass and back up into the neck of the beer.

3.      Fill the glass approximately three quarters, level and stop pouring. (If using Guinness branded glassware, the three quarter mark is halfway through the Harp logo on the glass). Stopping the pour allows the nitrogen to settle and a creamy head to form.

4.      Allow the pint to rest for 120 seconds. Its body will darken and the head will begin to develop. Then, holding the pint level, push the tap back away from you, and fill the pint slowly, aiming directly for the middle of the glass.

5.      Once the glass is full, wait until the pint has fully settled before drinking. The body should be completely black/ruby red and the head has fully developed.

6.      Slice a nice piece of Guinness Cheddar and dig in.

Keep your eyes out for more news, and more parties, from the Guinness Cheddar team

Or have your own party! Atalanta has Guinness Cheddar in stock right now, so you’ll be able to find it in your store soon. And spread the word that Atalanta, once again, makes the world’s favorite products available to savvy buyers.

You don’t need a rooftop in NYC – in fact, you don’t even need to be Irish. The wannabe Irish and cheese lovers just need a little Guinness (or libation of choice), a little Guinness Cheddar and some Irish music – or a World Cup game on the telly – to party like they do on the Emerald Isle.

Sláinte!