Barrel & Board: The Art of Pairing New York Whiskeys & Cheeses

Think cheese belongs only on a wine board? Think again! Whiskey and cheese share an incredible amount of flavor DNA, from deep nuttiness and buttery richness to smoky, complex finishes. These two worlds are built to complement and contrast each other. Join us for a guided, interactive tasting where you’ll mix, match, and discover what works for your palate. We’ll pour four exceptional craft whiskeys distilled right here in New York State, paired with five artisanal cheeses from the Finger Lakes region. In this fun, flavor-packed session, we’ll go beyond standard tasting notes to explore the science of taste and why these pairings work. You’ll also learn how to match whiskey and cheese to mirror flavors or create striking contrasts. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey aficionado or a curious foodie looking for something new, you’ll leave with the confidence to build your own whiskey-and-cheese boards at home. Come sip, savor, and explore this ultimate flavor combo with us! Help us welcome Cynthia Pacia as New York Kitchen’s newest Beverage Educator! Cynthia Pacia is a spirits event specialist, local beverage advocate, and former offsite events manager for Black Button Distilling. For years, she has brought people together over a shared love of a great pour and taught others how to host tastings of their own. After more than a decade of running a local flight club and touring distilleries across the US, Canada, and Ireland, she has developed a refined palate and deep knowledge of craft spirits, with a special passion for those made right here in New York. Driven by her commitment to supporting local producers, Cynthia brings her expertise and energy to this class, guiding guests through a thoughtfully curated exploration of complementary flavors and artisan pairings.