Slovenský Oštiepok

Slovenský oštiepok is a traditional semi-hard cheese made from half-fat sheep's milk, cow's milk or a mixture of both. It can be either steamed or unsteamed, smoked or unsmoked and can be produced in dairies using the industrial way of production, or on sheep farms (salaš) in the mountainous parts of the Slovak Republic, using the traditional methods.

It is quite striking to the eye - shaped like a large egg or a pine cone, with a golden brown exterior due to the smoking process and a creamy yellow color on the interior. Its texture is firm and homogeneous, with small cracks developing on the body when sliced.

The taste is delicate and savory, slightly salty, sour to piquant, with a typical smoky flavor. Enjoy it on its own, as a snack and pair it with dry white wines or beer.