When Brad Pitt was photographed eating crisps at the Wimbledon men’s final, The Times decided to investigate an unexpectedly important question: just how good were his snacks?
Journalist Harry Wallop taste-tested a selection of Britain’s best premium savoury snacks, including The Drinks Bakery’s mature Cheddar recipe.
We were delighted with the verdict.
What The Times said about Drinks Biscuits
Harry described the biscuits as “sensationally delicious”, praising the way their heat, texture and savoury flavour gradually revealed themselves with each bite.
He also highlighted the drinks-pairing recommendations on the packaging. That detail lies at the heart of The Drinks Bakery: these are not simply cheese biscuits to eat beside a drink. Every flavour is thoughtfully developed to complement particular wines, beers, whiskies and cocktails.
The recipe featured by The Times was the predecessor to our current Mature Cheddar & Smoked Chilli Drinks Biscuits.
Mature Cheddar with smoky warmth
Our current recipe combines powerful mature Cheddar with carefully measured smoked chilli.
The cheese provides tangy, fruity richness and a long savoury finish. Smoked chilli adds warmth and depth without overwhelming either the biscuit or the drink in your glass.
Try it with:
•Smoky or peated whisky
•Malbec, Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon
•Rioja and other oak-aged red wines
•Belgian or barrel-aged beer
•Cider
•Bourbon, rum or an Old Fashioned
Salt and richness can soften the impression of tannin and alcohol, while the biscuit’s smoky character connects naturally with oak, toast, peat and spice.
Are Drinks Biscuits posher than crisps?
Perhaps—but the real difference is purpose.
Ordinary crisps are designed to be enjoyable on their own. Drinks Biscuits are created with the drink in mind. Cheese, herbs and spices are selected according to the sweetness, bitterness, acidity, aroma and finish of the drinks they will accompany.
They are also ready to serve straight from the box. No toppings, dips or preparation are required.
Whether you are watching Wimbledon, opening a favourite bottle or putting together drinks for friends, they offer a more considered alternative to the usual bowl of crisps.
Discover the featured flavour
Shop Mature Cheddar & Smoked Chilli Drinks Biscuits, or explore the complete Drinks Biscuits collection.
Read the original feature
Read the complete savoury-snack taste test on The Times website.
