Top 3 Wisconsinite Waxed Rind Cheeses

Hoop Cheese or Red Rind Hoop Cheese is a traditional cheese hailing from Wisconsin. This soft cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk, and the whey is completely drained out before it's placed in a round mould known as a hoop. The cheese comes with a waxy red coating which is why it's also called Red Rind Hoop Cheese. The texture is springy and soft, but the cheese spoils fast because it's not aged. The flavors are typically mild, salty, and slightly nutty. Due to its very short shelf life, Hoop Cheese is nowadays usually found at gas stations and small restaurants in the southern parts of the United States.Expand

Menage is an American cheese hailing from Wisconsin, where it's produced by Carr Valley Cheese Company. The cheese is made from a mix of pasteurized sheep's, cow's, and goat's milk. Underneath its green waxed rind, the texture is firm, dry, and creamy. The aromas are pleasant, while the flavors are intense, full, and rich. It's recommended to pair Menage with a glass of Shiraz or Pinot Noir in order to elevate its flavors. Menage has won many awards, including a bronze medal at the World Cheese Awards in 2011.Expand

Bad Axe is an American cheese hailing from Westby, Wisconsin, where it's produced by Hidden Springs Creamery. The cheese is made from pasteurized sheep's milk and it's left to age for 60 days before consumption. Underneath its black waxed rind, the texture is creamy, smooth, and semi-hard. Aromas are fresh and floral, while flavors are smooth, creamy, milky, and slightly tart, similar to fresh mozzarella. Bad Axe is dipped in black wax in order to retain its moisture, and it was named after the river near the creamery that was the original site of the 1832 Battle of Bad Axe.Expand