Thunder Oak Extra Old Gouda

Producer:

Thunder Oak Cheese Farm

Style:

Hard, aged gouda.

Milk type:

Pasteurized cow's milk.

Region:

Northern Ontario

Photo credit: dairygoodness.ca

Context:

Jacob and Margaret Schep immigrated to Canada from Holland with their children in 1981 bringing with them three generations of cheesemaking knowledge. In fact, Margaret's mother was a World Champion cheesemaker. Shortly after arriving, they set up a dairy farming operation just south of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Recognizing the lack of quality gouda-style cheese, they began making their own cheese and selling it. They use the same traditional recipes to make their Thunder Oak Gouda that Jacob’s aunts and uncle still use back home. Thunder Oak Gouda is a true "farmstead" cheese made using fresh milk from the family’s own dairy operation.

Appearance of rind:

A natural rind, with a “fine ribbed” texture. Golden brown colour. (A thin layer of breathable plastic protects the exterior of the cheese as it ripens.)

Appearance of paste:

Golden brown colour, slightly darker near the outer edge. Looks dry and hard.

Nose:

Strong intensity. Notes of coffee, caramel, butterscotch, toffee.

Primary taste:

Intense savoury with a balance of sweet.

Flavour:

Big, rich, taste. Layered and complex. Lots of toffee, caramel,
and toffee notes. Hints of sweet grapefruit.

Texture:

Firm fudge texture with lots of grana crystals make for a rich, crunchy experience in the mouth.

Pairing opportunities:

A traditional pairing for an aged gouda would be ale, bread and butter pickles. Can also be served with dates, dried figs and nuts.

Other comments:

This is a true "farmstead" cheese. The business is family run and the milk used to produce the cheese comes solely from the family farm.  Thunder Oak Gouda was category champion (firm cheese) at 2002 Canadian Cheese Grand Prix. This a great cheese; comparable to Beemster XO. I love it.