Pagosa Cheesemongers

A journal for the cheese curious Pagosa Springs, Colorado

From the cheese finder

Red Butte Hatch Chili

Beehive Cheese

Red Butte Hatch Chili
Tasting notes & pairings

pronounced "Red B-yoot"

Red Butte Hatch Chili by Beehive Cheese is an artisanal, semi-hard Irish-style cheddar from Utah, made with unstandardized, pasteurized milk sourced from a local Jersey and Holstein-Friesian herd. It features vegetarian microbial rennet and is aged up to 12 months in humidity-controlled caves. The cheese incorporates roasted New Mexico Hatch chiles, yielding a buttery, creamy texture with smoky, gentle heat and a citrusy coriander-rubbed rind. Its moisture content ranges from 32.5% to 36.0%. It pairs well with Old Vine Zinfandel, Riesling, and Pilsners, and is ideal for charcuterie or melting in rich dishes.
Country United States of America
Milk Cow
Rennet Vegetarian
Heat Treatment Pasteurized
Texture Profile Semi-firm, dense, close-textured
Flavor Profile Buttery, Sweet, Smoky, Earthy, Citrusy
Wine Pairings Old Vine Zinfandel, Grenache, Off-Dry Riesling, Champagne
Beer Pairings: Pilsner, Light Lager, Blonde Ales
Food Pairings: Cured meats, Pickled vegetables, Crusty bread, Beef burgers, Macaroni and cheese, Queso Fundido, Elote, Nacho cheese sauces
FAQs

In which U.S. state is Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese produced?
Utah, United States

What species does the milk used in Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese come from?
Cattle (*Bos taurus*)

What type of rennet is used to coagulate Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Vegetarian-friendly microbial rennet

What is the typical maximum aging time for Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Up to 12 months

What is the target moisture content for Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
32.5%–36.0%

How is Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese classified based on moisture content?
Semi-hard to hard

What are the foundational flavor notes of Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Buttery, sweet, slightly fruity

What is the general texture of Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Semi-firm, dense, close-textured

What heat treatment is applied to the milk used in Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Pasteurization

Which red wine is particularly recommended as a pairing for Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Old Vine Zinfandel

Which styles of beer are most recommended with Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Pilsner and Light Lager

Which meat accompaniments work best with Red Butte Hatch Chili on a charcuterie board?
Genoa or Soppressata salami

What kind of chile is included in Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Hatch green chiles from New Mexico

How is the name 'Red Butte Hatch Chili' pronounced?
red BYOOT hach CHIL-ee

Show all 14 FAQs ↓
BEEHIVE CHEESE

USA

Beehive Cheese is a family-owned company in Uintah, Utah, known for its artisanal cheese crafted from local milk. Founded in 2005 by Tim Welsh and Pat Ford, the brand is famous for varieties like Barely Buzzed and Promontory. Beehive Cheese focuses on sustainability and community, hosting workshops and events. They''ve won numerous awards for their unique flavors and quality, underlining their commitment to excellence.

https://beehivecheese.com/