Herreño

Herreño is a Spanish cheese hailing from the Canary Island, specifically the island of El Hierro. The cheese is made from goat's milk and a small amount of cow's and sheeps' milk. The wheels are smoked over wood from trunks of prickly pear cactus and figs.

Herreño's smoked rind (it can also be natural and unsmoked) has decorative burnished lines coming from the racking. When young, it's bright white in color, while the flavors are fresh and acidic, and when smoked, the flavors become more delicate and buttery.

The young version pairs well with rosé and white wines such as Muscat, and when aged, it goes better with red wines such as Monsant and Priorat. The cheese is also excellent when lightly grilled and drizzled with local palm honey. It can also be served with green mojo sauces or used in cheesecakes.