March 8, 2022
Cheese Wisdom: A U.S.-made Gouda that should get Holland’s attention
Creamy with tiny crystals, light sweetness, rich depth of flavor
The cheese: Sneek Gouda from Frisian Farms, Leighton, Iowa
The style: A medium-aged (1,000 days) cow’s milk with lots of flavor, easy to slice, very approachable
Flavor profile: Honey, caramel, a bit of chew, fresh.
How to enjoy: As an appetizer, after the entrée, sliced on the side of a hearty vegetable soup, with mustard in a grilled cheese sandwich.
Wine pairings: Bold red wine like zinfandel or Bordeaux; Viognier or extra dry Champagne
Extra reading: The Bandstra brothers state that it takes 10 pounds of milk to make one pound of cheese. The wheel of gouda (pronounced howda) is not waxed, like many of the Dutch cheeses are.
Where to purchase: Orrman’s Cheese Shop
Price: $31/lb.
