Bouton de culotte

Bouton de culotte is a traditional cheese originating from the Mâconnais and Haut-Beaujolais areas in Burgundy. This tiny (30-40 grams) cheese is made with raw goat's milk, and it's aged for about 2 months. It was originally made by the region's shepherds who wanted to make a cheese that could be kept for a few months.

Underneath its natural yellowish rind, the texture is hard and dry. The aromas are slightly mushroomy while the flavor is peppery, goaty, and salty. Boutons are typically stored during autumn to be enjoyed in winter. They are thought to be the smallest goat cheeses, and possibly the smallest of all cheeses.