Good Thunder Washed Rind Cheese

Good Thunder is a big, rich, bold washed-rind masterpiece that’s perfect for serious cheese lovers. This cow’s milk cheese, inspired by the French beauty Reblochon, is washed with a briny solution that includes an oatmeal brown ale called Bender from local Minneapolis-based Surly Brewing before being left to ripen for a few extra days. The finished product is dense and fudgy with a pungent aroma but a flavor that’s sweet and buttery, and as it ages the texture becomes softer and the flavor funkier. Pair it simply, with bread, nuts, and dried fruit.

Alemar Cheese is handcrafted in Minneapolis, Minnesota, using traditional techniques and old-world craftsmanship. Under the leadership of founder Keith Adams and head cheesemaker Charlotte Serino, they create a selection of French-inspired cheeses made with gently pasteurized local cow’s milk. Since 2008, their dedication to quality has earned them widespread recognition and numerous awards.

• Pairings: Rich and aromatic white wines like Gewürztraminer or pinot gris, younger fruit-driven wines like Beaujolais