Milk: Pasteurized Goat

Type: Washed Rind

Producer: Queijo Tavares

Region: Portugal

Pairings: Sherry, Malty brews, Cajeta, roasted nuts

Alva isn’t your typical Portuguese washed rind, and is has such a subtle beauty that can be easily missed if not paying close attention. The FDA restricts the Portuguese cheeses that are actually allowed into the US. The light washing of the rind gives it a touch of funk, but only a touch. The paste has notes of cottage cheese, cheesecake, with a hint of a cajeta-like caramel. The gentle, supple texture becomes almost spreadable at room temperatue, but still maintains its shape. They use the curd-washing method typically used for gouda, which explains it’s sweet backbone.