Beecher's Flagship Reserve

Beecher's Flagship Reserve is distinct from the standard Flagship cheese because it undergoes a traditional clothbound aging process, whereas the regular Flagship is typically sold younger and without cloth. The Reserve wheels are rubbed with lard and aged for over a year in caves, mimicking traditional English cheddar-making techniques. This process results in a much crumblier texture and a deeply complex flavor profile.

Beecher's Handmade Cheese is an artisan cheesemaker founded in Seattle, Washington, in 2003. They operate their primary cheese-making facility directly in the historic Pike Place Market, allowing visitors to watch the cheese being made through large observation windows. They have since expanded operations to New York City.

Beecher's Flagship Reserve is an artisanal cow's milk cheese classified as a cheddar-style product. The milk used is sourced from local farms that do not use artificial growth hormones (rBST). The high-quality milk contributes to the cheese's rich, buttery, and slightly nutty flavor profile.

Because of its sharp, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor, the Flagship Reserve pairs beautifully with robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or a hoppy IPA beer. For serving, it is best enjoyed at room temperature to allow the complex flavors to fully develop. It also melts exceptionally well, making it an excellent choice for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.