We’ve seen the occasional pulse quicken when confronted with the phrase “cheese pairings.” Usually it calls up memories of an uptight wine tasting with lots of French and German names thrown about without explanation. Obviously, it doesn’t have to be this way. Cheese is one of the most delicious foods on Earth, and we’re here to talk about how to pair it with something significantly more relaxing – beer.

Beer and cheese pairings are forgiving, accessible and affordable. When you embark on deciding which beer to pair with which cheese, you are already at an advantage because most cheeses love most beers. However, the guide below will help you take the beer-cheese love affair to the next level.