Best Southern American Washed Rind Cheese Types
Chocolate Lab is an American cheese hailing from Fairview, where it's produced by Looking Glass Creamery. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk. The red rind is washed every other day with a brine solution. The texture is very firm, the aromas are rich, and the flavors are sharp, pungent, and sweet.
The cheese wheels are also rubbed with a combination of crushed cocoa and sea salt in order for the rind to develop a rich and rugged finish. It's recommended to pair Chocolate Lab with a glass of Malbec wine or a chocolate stout beer.
Pair with
Providence is an American taleggio-style cheese hailing from North Carolina. This semi-soft cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and it's left to age for 3 months. During the maturation period, the cheese is brushed and hand-turned, while its rind is washed and develops a hard exterior.
The texture is crumbly and compact. The aromas are yeasty and the flavor is creamy. It's recommended to use Providence as a table cheese and serve it with cured meat and olives on the side. Pair it with a glass of dark Syrah.
Pair with
Mountaineer is an American cheese produced in Galax, Virginia by Meadow Creek Dairy. The cheese is made from Jersey cow's milk and ages for at least 6 months. Underneath its washed rind, the texture is firm, supple, and dense, melting on the tongue, with occasional small eyes.
The aromas are rich, fruity, and caramel-like, while the flavors are full and mellow, with a beefy finish. It's recommended to pair it with toasted hazelnuts, figs, and a glass of pear cider.
Best Southern American Washed Rind Cheese Producers
FireFly Farms, located in Maryland, specializes in producing artisanal cheeses. Established in 2002, it is committed to sustainable farming practices. Their products, such as their notable goat cheeses, are crafted using milk sourced from local family farms.
FireFly Farms cheeses have received numerous awards.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2002
BEST Firefly Farms Cheeses
Best Southern American Washed Rind Cheeses
Cabra La Mancha is a cheese produced by FireFly Farms, a creamery based in Maryland. This cheese is made from goat's milk and is known for its smooth texture and rich, tangy flavor. The cheese is aged to develop a creamy consistency and a complex taste profile.
FireFly Farms takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients and traditional cheesemaking techniques to produce their artisanal cheeses.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2014, 2012
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.