Hornbacher Cheese Aged 12 Months

Since 1847, Fritzenhaus Dairy has been producing some of the world’s finest artisan cheeses in the small mountain hamlet of Sumiswald in the famed Emmental Valley. Today it’s overseen by world champion cheesemaker Michael Spycher, who sources his milk from 12 local farmers who deliver fresh milk twice per day. These are some seriously happy cows, who spend the summers grazing on lush Alpine meadows and the winters eating fine hay.

Hornbacher has been Michael’s specialty for more than 15 years, but until 2014 it was only available at the small cheese shop on the property. Thankfully for you, this spectacular cheese is now shipping to your door. During the 12-month aging process, it develops into a burnished brown wheel with a firm, crumbly texture and flavor notes of roasted hazelnuts and caramelized onion. This is a big, bold, flavorful cheese that’s best enjoyed on its own or alongside some roasted nuts.

• Pairings: Fortified wines like sherry and port, gewurztraminer, pinot gris, barrel-aged beers