What are some good types of cheese to put out at a cocktail party?

When selecting cheese for a cocktail party, it's important to choose a variety of flavours, textures, and milk types to cater to different preferences. Here are some good options to consider:

1. Chevre: A soft goat cheese that is creamy, mild, and slightly tangy. It pairs well with crackers, bread, and fruit.

2. Brie: A soft, creamy cow's cheese with a bloomy rind. It has a rich, buttery flavour and is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crackers, bread, or fruit.

3. Camembert: Similar to Brie but with a slightly stronger flavour. It also has a bloomy rind and pairs well with crackers, bread, and fruit.

4. Cheddar: A classic hard cheese that comes in different styles, from mild to sharp. It's versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments, including crackers, bread, fruit, and nuts.

5. Gouda: A semi-hard cow's cheese with a mild, nutty flavour. It's a good option for those who don't like strong-tasting cheeses. Pair it with crackers, bread, fruit, and nuts.

6. Manchego: A hard sheep's milk cheese from Spain with a nutty, slightly salty flavour. It pairs well with crackers, bread, fruit, and olives.

7. Parmigiano-Reggiano: A hard, grating cheese made from cow's milk. It has a sharp, nutty flavour and is commonly used as a topping for pasta dishes and salads.

8. Gorgonzola: A blue cheese made from cow's milk. It has a strong, pungent flavour and pairs well with crackers, bread, fruit, and nuts.

9. Aged Cheddar: An extra-sharp cheddar that has been aged for over a year, often in a cloth binder to develop a complex umami flavor.

10. Triple-Cream Cheese: A rich and luxurious soft cheese made with extra cream, often triple the amount used in regular soft cheeses. It has a creamy, buttery flavor and comes in a variety of textures, from spreadable to semi-firm.

Remember to serve the cheeses at room temperature and provide a variety of crackers and bread for pairing.