This lil stinker is such a great cheese! Cowgirl Creamery's origin story for this champion cheese goes back to an accident in 2001 when some young Mt Tam wheels were stored near some wheels of English Stilton. Oh, things happened in that cave and there was a suggested remedy to just wash the little wheels with some saltwater brine. The unexpected result was this meaty, savory and mild funky pinkish-orange round that became the creamery's most popular cheese. A couple years later, Red Hawk became the first ever washed rind cheese to win Best of Show at the American Cheese Society's competition.

Red Hawk is organic and made with vegetarian rennet, conveying the character of coastal Northern California and the original creamery and is named for the majestic local red-tailed Hawk that soars over the Marin Headlands. Beyond its rough and rowdy aroma, this cheese has a rich and meaty flavor with balanced notes of cured meats, wild sage, and a kiss of ocean air.

And to be honest, after a long day posing for me in my July temperature studio, this cheese model was ready to be inhaled. Once I finished this painting, I picked up that cut wedge and it softly slumped to my will, tasting like a wonderful taleggio custard.

Country of Origin: USA, California

Availability: sold