| The 724 Wisconsin Select 15-Year Aged Cheddar from Wisconsin, USA, is an ultra-aged, artisanal cheddar produced under strict state regulations ensuring high quality. Made from pasteurized, non-GMO cow's milk (mainly Holstein and Jersey), it uses microbial rennet and undergoes 15 years of controlled aging. The cheese features a hard, crumbly texture with tyrosine crystals and a rich, complex flavor profile including sharp acidity, umami, nutty, and fruity notes. Graded by licensed experts, it pairs well with high-acid wines and robust beers. The "724" name honors the chief grader's license number, signifying tradition and expertise. | |
| Country | United States |
| Milk | Cow |
| Rennet | Microbial |
| Heat Treatment | Pasteurized |
| Texture Profile | Firm, Crumbly |
| Flavor Profile | Extra Sharp, Umami, Nutty, Toasty, Fruity |
| Wine Pairings | Champagne, Prosecco, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc |
| Beer Pairings: | Pale Ale, Porter, Stout, IPA |
| Food Pairings: | Honey, Hot Honey, Spicy Honey Mustard, Charcuterie, Dried Fruit, Crusty Bread with Warm Butter, Caramel Popcorn, Chocolate, Jams |
Where is 724 Wisconsin Select 15-Year Aged Cheddar produced?
Wisconsin, USA
Why does Wisconsin require professional licensing for cheesemakers and graders?
To ensure high quality through standardization and expertise
Where are the corporate headquarters of Wisconsin Aging & Grading Cheese, Inc. located?
Kaukauna, Wisconsin
Why is only a small fraction of Wisconsin cheese suitable for a 15-year aging program?
Flawless structural integrity is needed to withstand long-term biochemical changes.
What is the significance of the '724' in the brand name '724 Wisconsin Select'?
It reflects the grader’s license number, tying the product to expertise and authenticity.
What type of milk is used for 724 Wisconsin Select 15-Year Aged Cheddar?
Cow's milk (bovine)
Why is cow’s milk essential for the 15-year cheddar’s production?
High elasticity and buffering capacity required for aging
Is the milk used for 724 Wisconsin Select 15-Year Cheddar pasteurized or raw?
Pasteurized
How does pasteurizing the milk impact the flavor and consistency of a cheddar aged 15 years?
It eliminates unpredictable bacteria, favoring consistent flavor development over extreme aging periods.
What type of rennet is used for coagulation in the 724 Wisconsin Select 15-Year Cheddar?
Microbial/vegetable-derived enzymes
Why is the use of microbial enzymes particularly important for a cheddar intended to age 15 years?
It ensures proteolysis proceeds at a slow, controlled pace, avoiding excessive bitterness.
For how long is the 724 Wisconsin Select Cheddar aged?
15 years (180 months)
What is a primary flavor and texture result of aging cheddar for 15 years?
It ensures maximum crystalline density and intense flavor complexity.
How does the quality monitoring process for the 15-year aging program deviate from standard industry practice?
Six licensed graders monitor and select cheese for the program.
What is the technical classification of the 724 Wisconsin Select 15-Year Cheddar based on moisture content?
Hard cheese
How does the decrease in moisture content during aging affect the 15-year cheddar’s composition and structure?
Moisture loss leads to more concentrated nutrients, such as minerals and fats, and creates a hard, crumbly texture.
Which of the following correctly classifies the 724 Wisconsin Select 15-Year Cheddar?
Cheddar, hard, ultra-aged, artisanal/specialty
What distinguishes the 'white' and 'yellow' cheddar varieties in the 724 Wisconsin Select line?
White cheddar has no added coloring, yellow cheddar is colored with annatto.
How would you best describe the physical texture of a true 15-year aged Wisconsin Select cheddar?
It is noted for high crystalline density, yielding a firm and crumbly texture with crunchy tyrosine crystals.
Which phrase best summarizes the flavor profile of 724 Wisconsin Select 15-Year Cheddar?
Rich, unique, and captivating with extra sharp acidity, umami, and nutty notes
What is the scientific explanation for the 'crunchy bites' found inside the 15-year cheddar?
Tyrosine crystals form from the breakdown of casein proteins over extended aging.
How can one distinguish between maturity and actual spoilage in 15-year-old cheddar?
Ammonia smell, slimy surface, and pink/red discoloration indicate spoilage, not maturity.
Why is Champagne considered an ideal wine pairing for 15-year aged cheddar?
High acidity and effervescence in Champagne scrub fat from the palate and match the cheddar’s sharpness.
How do the recommended beer pairings complement the sensory profile of the 15-year cheddar?
Porters and stouts complement roasted and umami notes, while pale ales provide sweetness and hop bitterness against sharpness.
How do honey and hot honey function as food pairings with the 15-year cheddar?
Honey adds sweetness to balance sharp acidity, while hot honey adds a piquant finish.
What makes the 'Harmony' variety unique in the 724 Wisconsin Select lineup?
'Harmony' is a special white cheddar blended for a symphony of flavors, including Gouda and Parmesan notes.
How should the number 724 in the brand name be pronounced?
SEV-en TWEN-tee-for
Which technical benefits does pasteurization provide in the production of 15-year cheddar?
Pasteurization kills pathogens, deactivates milk enzymes, and standardizes the milk's microbial profile.
What milk source is typical for 724 Wisconsin Select’s 15-year cheddar production?
Cow’s milk from mixed herds (Holstein and Jersey)
Which statement accurately differentiates signs of desirable aging from spoilage for 15-year cheddar?
Tyrosine crystals are not a defect and indicate extreme maturity, unlike pink rings or ammonia odors, which are signs of spoilage.
What causes the powdery, granular surface on a 15-year aged cheddar?
Calcium lactate crystals form on the surface as calcium ions precipitate when moisture decreases, causing a powdery coating.
What is the specified shelf life of the 724 Wisconsin Select 15-Year Cheddar after packaging?
Approximately 399 days under refrigeration (35–40°F)
What is the role of the licensed cheese grader in the context of ultra-aged cheddar production?
The grader selects and monitors cheese for extended maturations, deciding which vats will reach 15 years based on expert evaluation.
What dietary certifications does 724 Wisconsin Select 15-Year Cheddar hold?
GMO-Free and gluten-free