From the Skagit Valley to downtown Seattle, Washington cheesemakers are demonstrating their commitment to all-natural artisan products, creating cheeses that are not just popular in the state of Washington but that have been recognized worldwide.
The American Cheese Society conference is an industry event, but public tickets are available for the awards ceremony and grand cheese tastings Aug. 28 at Benaroya Hall. The $85 ticket includes a reception featuring 25 top restaurants and wineries in Washington, plus samples of more than 1,300 cheeses. Tickets online at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/112806.
Beecher's signature cheese, Flagship, is a creamy combination of cheddar and gruyere, carefully aged for one year and delivering a distinctive, robust, nutty flavor.
Flagship pairs nicely with a Pouilly Fuisse or a Syrah
Mt Townsend Creamery's Trailhead falls somewhere between Comte and Cantal. It is a mild cheese with mellow flavor that depends on the quality of the milk and grazing land to provide its flavor. Trailhead is aged three to six months.
A raw cow's milk aged monteray style cheese with a creamy, buttery taste and texture. Naturally cream colored with no artificial ingredients or added colorants. Valley Girl Cheese, a real farmstead raw cow's milk cheese! Mild in taste, usually aged for two to four months.
Gouda, a traditional Dutch cheese, is mild and creamy when young. Our aged Gouda develops a nice sharp flavor, becoming drier and crumbly over time. We have flavored Goudas, including Herb (parsley, chives, garlic), Cumin, Nettle, and Caraway.
Traditional Curado, firm aged goat cheese. From Manchego recipe.
Manchego is Spain's most famous cheese. Manchego is a rich, golden, semifirm cheese that has a full, mellow flavor. Manchego is a wonderful snack cheese and melts beautifully.Refers to cheeses that are handmade in small quantities with respect for the tradition of the cheese. Artisan cheeses can be, but are not necessarily, made from milk obtained from animals located on the farm where the cheese is made.