What is Cabot Clothbound Cheddar? A Collaboration of Craftsmanship

Welcome to the fascinating world of Cabot Clothbound Cheddar – a product of a unique collaboration between Cabot Creamery and the Cellars at Jasper Hill. This exquisite cheese is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of two renowned Vermont cheese producers. Aged under the watchful eyes of master cheesemakers, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar is a delight for the senses with its complex flavors, distinctive texture, and rich history.

Quick Facts About Cabot Clothbound Cheddar

Quick Facts	Details
Origin	United States, specifically Vermont
Milk Source	Cow’s Milk
Pasteurization	Yes, Pasteurized
Aging Period	10 to 14 months
Flavor Profile	Sweet, nutty, slightly tangy with caramel and fruit undertones
Texture	Hard, crumbly, crystalline
Rind	Natural, clothbound
Producer	Collaboration between Cabot Creamery and the Cellars at Jasper Hill
Serving Suggestions	Ideal for cheese boards, pairs well with apples, pears, grapes, nuts, and a variety of crackers and breads
Wine Pairings	Pairs well with full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, also complements fruity white wines like Chardonnay
Beer Pairings	Complements a variety of beer styles, especially English-style ales and hoppy American IPAs
Awards	Winner of multiple awards, including “Best in Show” at the American Cheese Society’s 2006 competition
Availability	Widely available in cheese shops and some supermarkets across the U.S., also available for online purchase
Shelf Life	Can be stored unopened in the refrigerator for up to 6 months

What is Cabot Clothbound Cheddar?

Cabot Clothbound Cheddar is a unique and remarkable cheese representing a significant part of Vermont’s artisan cheese industry. It’s a product of a collaborative effort between Cabot Creamery, known for its rich history in cheesemaking, and the Cellars at Jasper Hill, renowned for their expert aging processes.

The creation of each wheel of Cabot Clothbound Cheddar involves an intriguing process. The cheese is made by Cabot Creamery and then aged at the Cellars at Jasper Hill. The wheels are hand-selected and carefully brushed with lard, which contributes to their distinctive flavor.

Cabot Clothbound Cheddar boasts a rustic appearance with a complex and pleasing taste profile. It presents a rich, caramelly flavor punctuated by specks of crystalline goodness that add a delightful crunch. This cheddar is characterized by its hardness and crumbliness when well-aged, and it offers a slightly tangy taste paired with a nutty sweetness.

Furthermore, its flavor profile is reminiscent of a classic English cheddar – sweet, savory, and tangy all at once. This American classic rivals even its Colonial counterparts, offering a unique take on traditional cheddar that’s approachable and gourmet.

So, whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar is a must-try. Its robust, multi-layered flavors and the story of collaboration behind its creation make it a truly exceptional cheese.

What Does Cabot Clothbound Cheddar Taste Like?

Cabot Clothbound Cheddar is a marvel of taste, striking a sublime balance between sweet, salty, nutty, and tangy flavors. This English-style cheddar is rich and buttery, with distinctive notes of caramel and toasted nuts that delight the palate. The cheese also carries a signature tang and caramel nuttiness that’s beautifully complemented by a rustic crystalline texture, which becomes creamy on the palate.

The flavor profile of Cabot Clothbound Cheddar is further distinguished by its fruity undertones. The cheese is tangy and fruity, offering a slightly crunchy and crumbly texture, with a distinct caramel apple flavor. Compared to English cheddars, which can often be a bit vegetal and piquant, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar tends more towards a caramelly, nutty sweetness.

This natural rind cheddar showcases complex flavors and a crumbly texture, adding to its charm. Its aroma is beautifully balanced, not too funky and not too bland, but rather milky and inviting. The natural rind offers earthy notes, providing a wonderful counterpoint to the cheese’s inherent sweetness.

10 Best Cabot Clothbound Cheddar Substitutes

Substitutes	Description
English Cheddar	Traditional English cheddar is a great substitute with its balanced flavors of salty, creamy, and slight tanginess.
Grafton Village Cheddar	This Vermont-made cheese has similar sharpness and nuttiness to Cabot Clothbound Cheddar.
Keen’s Cheddar	An English cheddar known for its strong, tangy flavor and slightly crumbly texture.
Montgomery’s Cheddar	Another English option, Montgomery’s offers a full-bodied, complex flavor that is reminiscent of Cabot Clothbound Cheddar.
Tillamook Sharp Cheddar	This Oregon-made cheese has a sharp, mature flavor that can mimic the complexity of Cabot Clothbound Cheddar.
Lincolnshire Poacher	A British cheese that combines the best of cheddar and Swiss-style cheeses. It’s robust and savory, with a firm texture.
Beecher’s Flagship	This semi-hard cheese from Seattle carries a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that makes it a good stand-in for Cabot Clothbound Cheddar.
Dubliner	An Irish cheese that is sweet, nutty and tangy, much like Cabot Clothbound Cheddar.
Prairie Breeze Cheddar	An Iowa-made cheese known for its sweetness and nuttiness, with flavor crystals that add a pleasant crunch.
Fiscalini Bandage Wrapped Cheddar	This California cheese is wrapped and aged similar to Cabot Clothbound, resulting in a complex, crumbly cheese with a sharp, caramel-like flavor.

What Pairs Well With Cabot Clothbound Cheddar?

Categories	Pairs Well With
Breads and Crackers	Sourdough bread, whole grain crackers, toasted rye bread, baguette
Fruits and Nuts	Apples, pears, grapes, dried figs, toasted almonds, walnuts, pecans
Meats	Prosciutto, salami, smoked turkey, roast beef
Wines	Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir
Beers	English-style ales, hoppy American IPAs, brown ales, porters
Other Cheeses	Gorgonzola, Brie, Camembert, Roquefort
Jams and Spreads	Fig jam, apple butter, honey, quince paste
Other Pairings	Dark chocolate, pickles, olives, mustard