Smokey Mountain Round Cheese

Smokey Mountain Round is a distinctive semi-soft, artisan goat cheese originating from the United States. This cheese is celebrated for its unique smoky flavor, which is achieved through a traditional smoking process. It has a smooth, creamy texture that is slightly firm yet spreadable, making it versatile for various culinary applications. The rind is typically natural, sometimes with a light dusting of ash, adding to its rustic appearance. Its smoky aroma is immediately noticeable, promising a rich and complex flavor profile that is both bold and nuanced.

Smokey Mountain Round is a testament to the artisanal cheese-making revival in the United States, where small-scale producers are experimenting with traditional techniques and local ingredients. While specific historical details about this cheese are scarce, it embodies the spirit of American innovation in cheese-making, blending European traditions with local flavors. The smoking process used in its production is a nod to age-old preservation methods, now appreciated for the depth of flavor it imparts rather than its preservative qualities.

This cheese begins with high-quality goat's milk, which is gently pasteurized to ensure safety while preserving the milk's natural flavors. The milk is then curdled using a combination of heat and rennet, after which the curds are cut, drained, and pressed into molds. The cheese is aged for a short period to develop its texture and flavor. The defining characteristic of Smokey Mountain Round is its smoking process, where it is exposed to natural wood smoke, infusing the cheese with its signature smoky aroma and taste.

Smokey Mountain Round offers a complex flavor profile dominated by its smoky essence, complemented by the tangy, earthy notes characteristic of goat cheese. The texture is creamy and smooth, with a slight firmness that allows it to be sliced or spread. The smoky aroma is robust, inviting, and pairs beautifully with the cheese's inherent tanginess.

This cheese pairs wonderfully with full-bodied red wines, such as Syrah or Zinfandel, which can stand up to its smoky flavor. For beer enthusiasts, a smoky porter or stout complements the cheese's richness. On the food front, it excels on cheese boards accompanied by dried fruits, nuts, and crusty bread. It can also be melted into dishes for a smoky depth, such as in macaroni and cheese or atop a gourmet burger.