California · United States
Red Hawk.
Red Hawk announces itself with an assertive barnyard funk that mellows into something unexpectedly luxurious on the palate—a triple-cream base so voluptuously soft it nearly dissolves, with meaty, earthy depths that linger long after. Its sticky orange rind, brine-washed to pungency, gives way to an almost buttery interior that demands strong bread and stronger personalities at the table.
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Origin
36.7°N · 118.8°W
The story
How it's made.
Why it tastes that way.
Red Hawk is made by Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station, California, founded by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith in 1997.
It won American Cheese Society's Best in Show in 2003. The triple-cream base is washed with brine to develop its distinctive sticky orange rind and powerful aroma.
Production · spec
- Milk
- Cow · pasteurised
- Family
- Washed-rind
- Rind
- washed
- Age
- 1–2 mo
- Intensity
- 4 / 5
- Texture
- soft
Tasting profile
What it tastes like.
These bars are a visual read of Red Hawk's flavour and aroma notes, scaled by the cheese's overall intensity — a quick guide, not a lab measurement.
Aroma
Nutrition · per 100 g serving
What's in a wedge.
A 100 g serving — about a finger-thick wedge. Daily values use the FDA 2020 reference of 2,000 kcal. Expect ±5% variation between wheels.
Serve, cut & store
Out of the fridge,
into its prime.
Guidance for washed-rind cheeses — general practice, not a per-wheel measurement.
Rest
Take it out about 1.5–2 h before serving — cold stiffens the fat and locks up the aromas; cool room temperature is when the flavour shows up.
Cut
Slice in wedges with the rind on — or for a very ripe wheel, take off the top and spoon.
Store
Wrap leftovers in cheese paper or wax paper — never cling film, which suffocates the rind — and keep them in the warmest part of the fridge.
Rule of thumb: the softer and riper, the longer it needs. Thick pieces need longer than thin — and don't leave cheese out much past two hours.
Pairings · Caseo curated
What goes with Red.
55 pairings across 6 categories.
Wine
Where to find it
Cheese counters.
Counter listings for Red Hawk are being verified. Check back soon.
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Substitutes
No Red Hawk at the counter?.
These will play a similar role on the board and in the pan.
Take it with you
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