Dutch by birth, aged in the US
Midnight Moon is a goat’s milk Gouda that is made in the Netherlands. Afterwards, it travels across the Atlantic and comes to mature at Cypress Grove Creamery in Humboldt county, Northern California.
The Creamery, world-famous for their Humboldt Fog soft chèvre, was established in the 1980’s by Mary Keehn. Unbeknownst to her, her creamery was about to play a pivotal role in the artisanal cheese movement in the United States.
What North Americans perceived as cheese was shifting. Moreover, it was moving from orange slices wrapped in clear plastic to small batch farmhouse cheeses made and matured with love and care.
That Humboldt air
Young wheels of this cheese are sent to the Creamery for maturation. The unique salt heavy air in Northern California leads to the creation of a cheese that is completely different to its Dutch counterparts that are aged locally.
Surrounded by an elegant dark purple waxed rind, its ivory pâte is dense and creamy. In addition to this, the cheese is peppered with tiny crystals which impart a bit of crunch. Its flavour is mildly savoury with notes of brown butter and hazelnuts. Furthermore, it has a seductive sweet caramel finish which makes this cheese very more-ish.
How to pair Midnight Moon
Pair this beauty with a refreshing full-bodied Amber Ale or a glass of Syrah or Zinfandel.
