Discover the Joy of Goat’s Milk Cheese: From Gentle Starts to Exciting Cheese Boards
Discover the Joy of Goat’s Milk Cheese: From Gentle Starts to Exciting Cheese Boards
Goat’s milk cheese has a reputation: some love it, others hesitate, imagining strong farmyard flavours. But what if I told you there’s a world of goat cheeses that are creamy, smooth, and utterly delicious — and also easier on digestion than cow’s milk?
Starting with a gentle, approachable cheese like Murcia al Vino, bathed in red wine with gentle, nutty, slightly fruity notes, can change minds in a single bite. It’s a perfect introduction for those new to goat’s milk, proving that goat cheese isn’t just edible, it’s enchanting and because goat’s milk is naturally lower in lactose and rich in easily digestible protein, it’s also a lighter choice for sensitive tummies.
For the adventurous, goat’s milk can transform an entire cheeseboard into a playground of flavours and textures, while offering health perks like supporting gut flora, boosting immunity, and providing essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin A. Here’s a selection of cheeses to build a complete, all-goat board that will impress both newcomers and aficionados:
Elrick Log – A soft lactic cheese from South Lanarkshire, Scotland, rolled in ash to form a delicate rind. Its bright citrus and subtle spice, creamy yet slightly crumbly, pair beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Killeen Goat Gouda – Semi-firm and aged at least three months, this Irish cheese blends sweet, nutty, and floral notes with a gentle goat flavour. Its mellow depth makes it perfect with light whites or rosés.
Payoyo Oloroso – A firm Spanish cheese from the Sierra de Grazalema, soaked in Oloroso sherry and olive oil. Rich and intense, it offers nutty, savory notes that shine alongside a complex red or sherry.
Biggar Blue – Scotland’s cheese gem, crafted from raw goat’s milk in a Roquefort style. Creamy yet a bit crumbly, with nutty sweetness under a tangy bite, it pairs brilliantly with sweet wines, stout, or a hearty red.
A goat’s milk-only cheeseboard is proof of how versatile this milk can be. From soft and gentle to firm, complex, and bold, it’s possible to create a tasting experience that surprises the palate and delights the senses, while enjoying cheeses that are easier to digest, packed with protein, and full of essential vitamins and nutrients.
Whether you’re introducing family and friends to goat’s milk cheese or indulging your own curiosity, starting gently and layering in more adventurous flavours is the key. A carefully curated goat board isn’t just nourishment, it’s a conversation starter, a sensory journey, and a delicious invitation to fall in love with cheese all over again.
The Cheese Lady x