Skylger Spicy

Skylger Pikant is made from milk that could only come from one place: the pasture milk of Terschelling. The salty sea air, the unique island grass and the small-scale dairy farming give this cheese a character you won't find in any other Dutch cheese. You could call it farmhouse cheese in the purest sense of the word: artisanal, small-batch and with an unmistakable terroir.

The spicy variety is the most characterful in the Skylger range: firm, full-flavored and with a bite that lingers on the palate. The longer aging makes the flavor profile extra bold and pronounced. The texture is compact and slices cleanly, making it just as good cubed up for a charcuterie and cheese board.

The story of Terschelling cheese

On Terschelling, cows graze on nature reserves that local farmers have been tending for over 50 years. The island grass is laced with salt-tinged herbs and wildflowers, and you can taste that in the milk. The combination of sea air, clean water and low-intensity grazing gives Skylger cheese a unique flavor profile that simply can't be replicated on the mainland. Every bite is literally a piece of the Wadden Islands.

Pairing tips

The bold, spicy character of Skylger calls for equally robust companions:

• A full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Rioja
• Dark beer, for example a dubbel or a porter
• A glass of young jenever or herbal bitters
• Cubed on a charcuterie and cheese board with mustard, pickles and nuts
• On a cheese board as a bold finishing note alongside milder cheeses

Compare it with the milder Skylger mature or the soft Skylger mild. Looking for a regular cheese surprise? Check out our cheese subscription.