¿Qué makes a cheese truly special? Is it the creamy texture, the tangy flavor, or the story behind its creation? For the Mt. Alice, it’s a perfect blend of all three.
About the Mt. Alice
The Mt. Alice is a type of Camembert-style cheese made from organic pasteurized milk, with a delicate white rind and a creamy, buttery interior. It’s produced by the Von Trapp Farmstead in Waitsfield, Vermont, where Sebastian Von Trapp and his family have been perfecting the art of cheese-making for generations.
What sets the Mt. Alice apart from other Camemberts is its unique recipe, which combines traditional Camembert cultures (Geotrichum candidum and Brevibacterium linens) with animal rennet. The result is a cheese that’s both familiar and innovative, with a flavor profile that’s both rich and refined.
Type of Milk
The Mt. Alice is made from organic pasteurized milk, sourced from the Von Trapp family’s own dairy farm. This ensures that the milk is free from additives and preservatives, and that the cheese has a rich, creamy flavor.
Denomination of Origin
While the Mt. Alice doesn’t have a specific denomination of origin, it’s deeply rooted in the traditions of Vermont cheese-making. The Von Trapp family’s commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices has earned them a reputation as one of the region’s most respected dairy farms.
Fat Content
The Mt. Alice has a fat content of around 30-35%, which gives it a rich, buttery flavor and a creamy texture.
Maturation
The Mt. Alice is aged for around 2-3 weeks, during which time it develops its characteristic white rind and creamy interior. After that, it’s removed from the aging rooms and ready for consumption.
Texture and Flavor
The Mt. Alice has a delicate, edible white rind and a creamy, buttery interior. When young, it has a fresh, creamy flavor with hints of lemon and floral notes. As it ages, it develops a richer, more complex flavor profile, with hints of mushrooms, butter, and a touch of saltiness.
Paring Suggestions
The Mt. Alice is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a range of wines, beers, and accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions:
- Wine: A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir.
- Beer: A crisp, hoppy IPA or a malty, caramel-flavored amber ale.
- Accompaniments: Fresh fruit, nuts, or dried fruit, or try pairing it with sweet or savory jams and chutneys.
Country of Origin
The Mt. Alice is made exclusively in the United States, in the state of Vermont.
Region of Origin
The Mt. Alice is produced in Waitsfield, Vermont, where the Von Trapp family has been farming and cheese-making for generations.
So what makes the Mt. Alice truly special? Perhaps it’s the combination of traditional techniques, high-quality ingredients, and the Von Trapp family’s passion for cheese-making. Whatever the secret ingredient is, one thing is clear: the Mt. Alice is a cheese that’s sure to delight even the most discerning palate.