Lindsay Lenberg Farms Banadaged Goat Cheddar

Producer:

Mairposa Dairy Ltd.

Style:

Bandaged goat cheddar

Milk type:

Pasteurized goat

Region:

Lindsay, Ontario

Photo credit: Cheesehound.ca

Context:

This is a delightful cheese that has been a hit since it was first introduced at the  Great Canadian Cheese Festival in 2011. It’s no wonder the cheese has won some prestigious awards in its short life – including second place for “best in show” at the American Cheese Society Awards, “grand champion” at the Royal Winter Fair, and first place at the British Empire Cheese Competition. The lineage of this cheese is a little complex. It’s produced by Mariposa Dairy Ltd. in Lindsay, Ontario (hence the cheese’s name) using milk produced by Lenberg Farms, the country’s largest goat herd operation. Lenberg and Mariposa are both owned by Bruce & Sharon Vandenburg who started their dairy operation in 1986.The cheese is marketed by Finica Foods under the Celebrity International brand. The term “bandaged” refers to a traditional aging technique in which the cheese is wrapped in cheesecloth and coated in oil. This permeable “bandage” protects the cheese from excess moisture loss while giving the cheese access to the air it needs to mature properly. The cheese is aged for at least 12 months.  

Appearance of rind:

Breathable film coating.

Appearance of paste:

Antique white, slightly dry looking, mechanical holes.

Nose:

Fruity, tangy smell.

Primary taste:

Sweet.

Flavour:

Mild-to-medium intensity; a sweet, fruity slightly acidic start gives way to light earthy notes, cooked milk, caramel, and a trace of tang that lingers on the tongue. A delicious, complex cheese. Once you’ve tried this cheese, your mouth will start watering every time your think about it.  

Texture:

Firm, slightly dry, but not quite crumbly; small crystals.

Pairing opportunities:

This cheese is great on its own. But if you eat it with thinly sliced baguette (I'd go with good old white), and chase it with a light lager, you'll have a complete lunch worthy of the gods.

Other comments:

This cheese can be a little hard to find, but if you can track down a hunk, your tastebuds will be amply rewarded for your efforts.