Sharp Swiss

Description

Sharp Swiss cheese is a more mature version of our locally made Swiss cheese that has been aged approximately 12 months. Sharp Swiss cheese is an excellent substitute for Gruyere cheese, if you prefer the more mature variety.

What is “Sharp” Cheese?

The term “Sharp” when used in reference to cheese denotes a stronger flavor as a result of a longer aging process.  Many cheese connoisseurs prefer sharper, more mature cheeses. If you prefer a more medium-sharp, then you may try our Emmentaler old-world Swiss. Some of our other more mature cheeses include Asiago, Canadian Cheddar, Manchego, Parmesan, Romano, and Sharp American. Our Orange and White cheddars are both medium sharp.

Description of Swiss Cheese

Our Amish swiss cheese is made locally in Pearl Valley, Ohio. The time-honored process for making swiss was brought here from Switzerland by the local population of Amish and Mennonite people. At Shisler’s, we have selected what we believe to be the best locally-made swiss.

History of Our Local Swiss

Our locally made Amish cheese closely resembles the original Swiss Emmental Cheese, which was originally produced in the Swiss canton of Bern. Our local cheese has a distinctive appearance, as the blocks of the cheese are riddled with holes known as “eyes”. Swiss is known for its nutty, bittersweet taste. These distinct features has transformed swiss into one of the most iconic cheeses around!

In general, the larger the eyes in a Swiss cheese, the more pronounced its flavor; this is because the same conditions that lead to large eyes—longer aging or higher temperatures—also produce a stronger flavor. This poses a problem for makers of pre-sliced Swiss. Cheese with large eyes doesn’t slice well, sometimes coming apart in mechanical slicers. This costs time and money and is one reason why US manufacturers usually produce a product less aged and flavorful than the Amish cheese made in North Central Ohio.

Baby Swiss is another related cheese. Made by substituting water for the milk’s whey to slow bacterial action, Baby Swiss has smaller holes and a milder flavor. Baby Swiss is made from whole milk. Lacy Swiss is a further variety of US small-hole Swiss made with low-fat milk.

Wine Pairing for this Cheese

Swiss pairs very well with numerous wines, but the most popular pairings are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Beaujolais and Pinot Noir are also great matches.  If you prefer white wine, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc pair well with Swiss. And for the beer lover, Swiss goes well with Lager, Pale Ale, and Weiss Beer.

Have any questions? Contact us today!