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A Taste of Local Cheese: Fiscalini Farmstead

  • Posted byby Vero

Hello, friends! Happy 2021 to you. I do hope your year is off to a bright start. These past holidays were very quiet, spent mainly with M. Cheesemonger and about 4 different puzzles. I have a lot of big things in the works, though, and cannot wait to finish executing them so that I can share with you!

That said, I want to start off the blog on a tasty, bright note, which is where Fiscalini Farmstead comes in. I have long been a fan of their “Old World” aged cheddar and San Joaquin Gold–I sold a lot of them when I was a cheesemonger behind the counter. I was definitely not familiar with any other of their cheeses, though. Luckily, I’ve been noshing on all of them for the past couple weeks, and can attest to their deliciousness! They’re perfect to make an easy snack, or as part of a large cheese plate, or as part of a recipe. Plus, they’re local (Modesto, CA), farmstead (the animals and cheese are raised and produced on the same property), with family-owned (fourth-generation!).   

Here are the cheeses I tried, and my impressions!

Old World Cheddar

I always say, “Always keep a little cheddar in your back pocket.” I mean, if you’re going to do that, why not make it local?

The Old World Cheddar was an old standby for me at the cheese case–easygoing, crumbly, with bright flavors bursting on the tongue, it is easy to see why. There was lots of protein crystal crunch. And then, like a firework, there was a slow, muted, lingering finish.

San Joaquin Gold

A little nutty, a little bright, a lot flavorful, San Joaquin Gold.

San Joaquin Gold–another cheese I would sell quite often at the cheese counter, this distant Californian cousin to parm boasts bright and nutty flavors, crumbly paste , lots of crunchy crystals. It is a great snacking cheese, but also works well grated over anything you’d grate cheese on (which is to say . . . anything?).

Lionza

Lionza was a gem! With some unusual fruitiness, and a great dry texture.

Lionza was the most interesting discovery for me! It was ultra fruity, taking after the Swiss style cheeses, not surprising since that is where the Fiscalini family is from! I loved the sweetness and brightness. I don’t know if you can’t already tell, but Fiscalini cheeses tend to all be on the brighter side in terms of flavor!

Farmhouse Cheddar

Farmhouse Cheddar–great for noshing and cooking. I’d call this a solid everyday cheese.

A softer cousin to the Old World Cheddar I used to sell, I found the farmhouse cheddar a little sweet, fruity, with a wonderful softness in the flavor. I’d definitely use this in some mac n cheese, or a burger. Mmm mmmm.

Craft Beer Cheddar

Bring on the partaaayyyy with the beer cheese.

The beer cheddar is a fun one, and the beer flavors are strong, so it’s probably perfect for your game day board! The beer tempers the tangy brightness of the cheese a bit, making for a savory, cheddary bite.

Truffle Cheddar

The truffle cheddar was wonderfully balanced–10/10 would eat again. And again.

I am not always a fan of flavored cheeses, but found this truffle cheddar quite lovely! The truffle balanced well with the bright, creamy cheese. It was a lovely tasting experience over all! This would definitely bring a little extra punch to any recipes, fondues, or dips you are preparing!

Purple Moon

When you want a glass of wine, but can’t have one, Purple Moon is here for you.

Biting into Purple Moon felt like drinking a big glass of cab! Full of big wine flavors, and Fiscalini’s signature brightness, this was another fun addition to the plate. 

Thanks to M. Cheesemonger my hand model, we were able to photograph and taste everything in record time! M. Cheesemonger’s favorite was probably San Joaquin Gold–he loved the nuttier flavors after we had grated it over some pasta.

You can find Fiscalini at your local cheese shop, or order at Fiscalini’s online shop!

I received free product. All thoughts are my own.