Cabot Clothbound Cheese

Cabot Clothbound is an exceptional artisan cheese hailing from the United States, specifically crafted by the renowned Cabot Creamery in collaboration with the Cellars at Jasper Hill. This cheese is a testament to the art of traditional cheesemaking, embodying a rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship. It is made from high-quality cow's milk, which contributes to its dense, firm texture and natural, rustic rind that is clothbound. The cheese's appearance is striking, with a deep, golden interior and a rugged, cloth-wrapped exterior that hints at its artisanal roots. Cabot Clothbound is aged for a minimum of 9 to 12 months, allowing it to develop a complex flavor profile that is both nuanced and robust. Its unique characteristics include a balance of savory and sweet notes, with a slight crunch from tyrosine crystals that form during the aging process, adding an unexpected texture that cheese aficionados cherish.

Cabot Clothbound cheese is a relatively recent addition to the world of artisan cheeses, having been developed in the early 2000s through a collaboration between Cabot Creamery, a cooperative of over 800 farm families in New England, and the Cellars at Jasper Hill, a state-of-the-art aging facility in Vermont. This partnership aimed to create a cheese that would showcase the quality of Vermont's cow's milk while paying homage to traditional English cheddar-making techniques. The result is a cheese that has quickly gained acclaim for its quality and depth of flavor, becoming a symbol of American artisanal cheesemaking prowess. Its creation has helped to elevate the status of American cheeses on the global stage, demonstrating that the United States can produce cheeses that rival those from Europe in complexity and craftsmanship.

The production of Cabot Clothbound cheese begins with the selection of premium cow's milk from local Vermont farms. The milk is gently pasteurized before being inoculated with starter cultures and rennet to initiate the curdling process. Once the curds have formed, they are cut, cooked, and pressed into molds, where they begin to take shape. The cheese is then wrapped in cloth, a traditional method that allows the cheese to breathe and develop a natural rind. This clothbound technique is crucial for the cheese's development, as it influences the moisture loss and the formation of its distinctive flavor and texture. The cheese is aged in the Cellars at Jasper Hill's carefully controlled environment, where it is turned and brushed by hand to ensure even aging and to develop its complex flavor profile over 9 to 12 months.

Cabot Clothbound cheese offers a rich and complex flavor profile that is both savory and slightly sweet, with notes of toasted nuts, caramel, and a hint of fruitiness. The texture is firm yet creamy, with a satisfying crunch from tyrosine crystals that develop during the aging process. The aroma is earthy and inviting, with a subtle sharpness that complements its depth of flavor. This cheese strikes a perfect balance between boldness and subtlety, making it a favorite among cheese lovers who appreciate a cheese with character and complexity.

Cabot Clothbound cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of foods and beverages. For a traditional pairing, try it with crusty bread, apple slices, and a dollop of fig jam to complement its sweet and savory notes. It also shines when paired with a robust red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Malbec, which can stand up to its bold flavors. For beer enthusiasts, a hoppy IPA or a rich stout makes an excellent match, enhancing the cheese's nutty and caramel undertones. Additionally, Cabot Clothbound can be incorporated into cooking, adding depth to macaroni and cheese, gratins, or as a standout addition to a cheese board.