Appletree Smoked Cheddar
- Producer
- Cows Creamery
- Country
- Canada
- Region
- Prince Edward Island
- Size
- 24 in x 24 in x 10 in
- Weight
- 40 lbs
- Website
- www.cowscreamery.ca
- Milk
- Cow
- Treatment
- Raw
- Classification
- Hard
- Rennet
- Vegetable
- Rind
- Smoked
- Style
- Cheddar-like
- Flavor
- Smoked
Cows Creamery is located on Canada’s east cost, in the capital city of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown. Creamery owner Scott Linkletter was inspired to begin making cheddar-style cheeses after a visit to the Orkney Islands, north of Scotland, where he met and befriended a local cheesemaker. Produced using a cheddar recipe that Linkletter discovered on that trip, this cheese reflects the salt air and iron-rich soils of Prince Edward Island. The Holstein cow’s milk used in production is gently heated but not pasteurized, allowing beneficial microbes to thrive and give depth of character and flavor to the cheese.
This is a version of the creamery’s Extra Old Cheddar that is naturally smoked over an eight-hour period. During this time it’s wrapped in natural apple wood smoke, which produces a mouth-wateringly full, smoky flavor that beautifully compliments the award winning two-year-old cheddar.
Tasting Notes
The subtle smoky smell of this cheddar reminds us of campfires, baked beans and burnt marshmallows. It’s firm and crumbly, especially for a smoked cheese, and its mild smoky background flavor doesn’t overshadow its characteristic cheddar flavors. Sweet and salty, it’s reminiscent of ham, bacon and good barbeque with the mildest implied spiciness.
Pairings
Pair it with a Bordeaux, a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Tempranillo.
