Discover the Unique Flavours of Artisan Goat Cheese

We all love discovering new cheeses. One kind that really stands out with its variety of textures and flavours is artisan goat cheese. Unlike mass-produced cheese you might find on supermarket shelves, artisan goat cheese is handcrafted in small batches with care and attention to detail. Whether soft and creamy or firm and mature, each one brings something different to your cheeseboard.

At the Cheese Shop Nantwich, we proudly stock a wide range of these delightful creations. Let’s explore what makes artisan goat cheese so special, how to choose the right one, and how best to enjoy it.

What Makes Artisan Goat Cheese Special?

Artisan goat cheese is made from pure goat’s milk and crafted using traditional methods. What sets it apart is the personal touch. Cheesemakers focus on quality over quantity. Many follow age-old recipes, which they tweak slightly to develop newer taste profiles. This hands-on approach allows for greater control over the taste, texture and ripeness of the cheese.

A lot of artisan goat cheese is also made using milk from free-range or pasture-raised goats, which feed on naturally growing plants. This gives the milk extra creaminess and depth of flavour. You won’t get that with standard goat cheese made on a production line.

Every batch of artisan cheese can taste slightly different depending on the season the milk is collected or even the grass the goats eat. That’s part of its charm. With goat cheese being lower in lactose than cow’s milk cheese, it’s great for those with a more sensitive stomach too.

Exploring Flavour Profiles

Goat cheese is known for its soft tang and slightly earthy flavour. But don’t be fooled, it can also be mild and smooth, bold and crumbly, or complex with a blue tang.

Let’s look at a few choices you can find at the Cheese Shop Nantwich that show just how wide-ranging goat cheese can be:

• Driftwood: A beautifully ash-coated goat cheese log. It starts smooth and creamy and develops sharp citrus notes as it matures. It looks stunning on any cheeseboard.
• Inglewhite Goat: This hard goat cheese is ideal if you love a firm texture with a nutty, mellow character. It slices easily, making it perfect for sandwiches or cubes on skewers.
• Ashlynn Goats: A soft cheese with a line of edible ash through its centre. It’s creamy with a clean taste and a striking look.
• Tor: Shaped like a pyramid and coated in ash, this cheese is soft and fresh when young and grows more intense as it ages. It’s a conversation starter at the table!

If you like a bolder experience, goat’s milk blue cheese like Harbourne Blue offers a powerful bite with a crumbly texture. A unique twist compared to traditional cow’s milk blue cheeses like Baby Cornish Blue Cheese.

You’ll also love Cheese with No Name, a playful, bloomy-rinded cheese with a creamy finish. The mystery around its name adds charm, and the flavour is just as intriguing.

Explore more Artisan Goat Cheese options here.

How to Choose the Right Goat Cheese for You

If you’re just getting into goat cheese, start with a mild, creamy variety like Ashlynn Goats. Its gentle flavour is easy to enjoy on a cracker or with a slice of fruit.

For those ready to be a bit more adventurous, something tangy and bold like Driftwood or Harbourne Blue can add great contrast to your cheese tasting. If you prefer a cheese to snack on or slice for toasties, go for the semi-hard and nutty Inglewhite Goat.

When selecting goat cheese, look at the rind and texture. A wrinkled rind or grey ash coat is usually a sign of traditional cultures and careful ageing. Don’t worry if it looks different from the cheese you’re used to; that’s often the sign of a truly artisan product.

If you’re building a cheeseboard, mix soft and hard textures, or combine a fresh goat log with one that’s been aged for a deeper flavour. That way, everyone around the table can find something they like.

How to Enjoy Goat Cheese at Its Best

Goat cheese is super versatile. Here’s how we love to enjoy it:

• Spread soft cheese like Tor on fresh bread with a drizzle of local honey.
• Crumble firmer types like Inglewhite Goat onto a salad with roasted beetroot and walnuts.
• Use slices of Ashlynn Goats in a warm sandwich or grilled panini.
• Melt a slice of Harbourne Blue on top of a grilled mushroom or steak.

Soft goat cheeses pair well with sweeter flavours, so try chutney, fig jam, or even cranberry sauce next time you serve it. You can also use goat cheese in baking, add it to a tart or quiche alongside vegetables like courgette or tomato.

Best Drinks to Pair with Goat Cheese

Drinks can really bring out the best in cheese. For a soft, tangy goat cheese like Driftwood, a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc lifts the flavour and balances its acidity.

If you’re serving a goat milk blue cheese like Harbourne Blue, try it with a dark stout or a full-bodied red wine. The rich drink helps stand up to the strong character of the blue veins.

Creamier cheeses like the Cheese with No Name go beautifully with sparkling wines or cider, which cuts through the richness with a refreshing fizz.

When in doubt, pour something light and fruity. Goat cheese tends to work better with white, rosé or sparkling wines than heavy reds.

Tips for Storing and Serving

To enjoy your goat cheese at its best, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the texture and flavours to come alive at room temperature.

Wrap your cheese in parchment or wax paper instead of cling film. This keeps the cheese from sweating and helps it breathe. Store it in the cheese compartment in your fridge or in a container with a loose-fitting lid.

Eat soft cheeses within a few days of opening. Harder cheeses like Inglewhite Goat last longer but should still be checked regularly for flavour and texture.

FAQs

Is goat cheese healthy?

Goat cheese is lower in fat and lactose than cheese made from cow’s milk. It’s also rich in calcium and protein, making it a nutritious treat in moderation.

Why does some goat cheese have ash on it?

The ash is food-safe and helps control the surface mould, encouraging the cheese to mature evenly. It also looks beautiful and gives a slightly earthy taste.

Can I cook with goat cheese?

Yes, goat cheese melts well and adds flavour to tarts, toasties, salads, omelettes and more. Just choose the texture that suits your recipe.

Where can I buy artisan goat cheese?

At the Cheese Shop Nantwich, we have a full range of artisan goat cheese, from soft and creamy to firm and aged. You can shop online or visit us in-store.

Explore the World of Artisan Goat Cheese Today

Artisan goat cheese is a real joy to explore. Every piece offers a personal touch from the cheesemaker’s hands to your plate. Whether you’re spreading it on bread, pairing it with wine, or adding it to your next recipe, goat cheese brings something special that other cheeses just can’t match.

Ready to try something new? Head over to the Cheese Shop Nantwich and discover our full selection of delicious artisan goat cheeses. Treat your taste buds and find a new favourite to share at your next gathering.