Hooligan
Hooligan is an American cheese produced in Connecticut by Cato Corner Farm. The cheese is made from raw milk of Brown Swiss and Jersey cows. Its rind is washed in brine, and underneath it, there is a chalky, soft, creamy, and slightly runny texture of the body.
The aromas are pungent and stinky due to the washed orange rind which contains surface-ripening bacteria and yeasts. Hooligan is aged for 2 months, resulting in flavors that are grassy, vegetal, intense, mushroomy, and savory. The cheese melts very well, so it can be used in (fabulously stinky, in this case) grilled cheese sandwiches.
It's recommended to serve Hooligan with hot pepper jelly, caramelized pecans, cranberry walnut bread, and honey. Pair it with sweet white wines and Belgian-style ales.
Pairing tips
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a red grape variety that was introduced to California sometime in the 1850s. For a long time, its origins were unknown, but recent findings have ... Read more
