Rispens Sheep Milk Gouda Cheese

One of the most in-demand and undeniably delicious sheep’s milk gouda cheeses on earth, Rispens Sheep Gouda is a true Holland gouda, made with milk sourced from Jacob Rispens and his herd of 300 Lacaune sheep in the tiny Frisian village of Moarre. This new cheese is incredibly buttery and decadent, with sweet aromas of dry hay and a rich nutty flavor with elements of brown butter and salted caramel, like a great shortbread cookie (without the sweetness).

The cheese is the work of Betty and Martin Koster at Fromagerie L’Amuse, who have spent the better part of the past 20 years discovering and exporting some of the best Dutch cheeses. The vast majority of gouda is made from cow’s milk and a small amount from goat milk, and barely any are made from sheep’s milk; after one taste you’ll wonder why more cheesemakers aren’t doing it. Eat at room temperature with a soft pretzel and some jam, shave over pastas and roasted vegetables, or serve with sliced apples and roasted nuts.

• Pairings: Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Sauternes, Brown Ale, Crisp Lager