Boer means ‘farmer’ and kaas means ‘cheese’. Seems simple – but hidden behind that straightforward name is what Gouda’s really all about; like really good chocolate, the full complexity isn't revealed for about ten seconds after first taste. Then the intense caramel flavor bursts forth. The curds are made from raw milk and then rinsed of the acidic, watery whey before getting pressed into large, flat spherical wheels. This special treatment cuts out sharpness and allows butterscotch and cashew flavors to prevail over an 18-24 month aging period. Totally snackable, especially with beer.