It’s a bit of a double standard. On one hand, we praise the world for its growing acceptance of cheese as a healthy snack, especially when it’s used as an alternative to more unhealthy snacks like chips or crackers.
On the other hand, we wince and wrinkle our nose at the idea of goat cheese filled with bourbon or drunken goat cheese—even though it’s exactly the same kind of goat cheese that we praised just seconds ago.
Why is this? Because it has alcohol in it. And that makes us feel weird about eating it. But does drunken goat cheese have alcohol? Let’s find out!
What Is Drunken Goat Cheese?
Drunken goat cheese is a soft goat cheese that’s been “drunk” in alcohol—most commonly bourbon or rum. These types of cheeses have a history of being infused with liquor, but nowadays, they’re mostly eaten as a novelty item.
Making drunken goat cheese is as simple as putting a wheel of soft goat cheese in an alcoholic solution and letting it sit. The booze seeps into the cheese, flavoring it from the inside out. It’s a pretty brilliant way to infuse food with flavor. The different types of drunken goat cheese are as unique as the liquor that goes into them. For example, drunken gouda is made in the same way as drunken goat cheese, with one major difference.
Gouda is already a hard cheese, so it doesn’t need to be given the same softening treatment that goat cheese does. Instead of being soaked in bourbon, the cheese is marinated in bourbon-soaked wood chips. The result is a hard, alcohol-flavored shell with a soft, creamy center.
How is Drunken Goat Cheese Made?
The process of making drunken goat cheese is pretty simple. First, a wheel of soft goat cheese is put into a container filled with an alcoholic solution. It can be bourbon, rum, brandy, or even beer. The wheel of cheese is left to sit and marinate in the solution for several hours, or even overnight. Once the cheese has absorbed as much flavor as it can, it is removed from the container and served. The cheese will have a very strong alcohol flavor, but it’s not technically “drunken” until you eat it.
Does Drunken Goat Cheese Have Alcohol?
Drunken goat cheese is made from a wheel of soft goat cheese that’s been “drunk” in an alcoholic solution. However, no matter how long the cheese has been marinating in the alcohol, it cannot actually become alcohol.
The main reason people are wary of eating the stuff is due to misinformation. The rumor goes that the prolonged marinating of the cheese in alcohol changes its molecular structure and makes it into actual alcohol. Not only is this false, it’s also impossible. The alcohol in the solution will evaporate as the cheese is marinating. The only thing you’re left with is a very strong alcohol flavor, which is why drunken goat cheese tastes like alcohol.
Why Does Drunken Goat Cheese Taste Like Alcohol?
Drunken goat cheese is made from a wheel of soft goat cheese that’s been “drunk” in an alcoholic solution. The alcohol in the solution will evaporate as the cheese is marinating, leaving behind only the flavor. The result is a very strong alcohol flavor, which is why drunken goat cheese tastes like alcohol. The longer the cheese is marinating, the stronger the flavor will be.
This is why some people find it extremely difficult to eat the cheese once it’s been marinating for a long time. It’s simply too strong for many people to handle.
Should You Eat It?
If you like the taste of strong, alcoholic flavors, then drunken goat cheese is something you should definitely consume.
However, if you’re sensitive to strong flavors or you’re not a fan of the taste of alcohol, you might want to steer clear of drunken goat cheese. If you’re unsure, start with a small piece and see how it sits with you.
Like we said, drunken goat cheese is a novelty item that you’re unlikely to come across in a grocery store. It’s mostly found at specialty food stores like gourmet cheese shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does wine soaked cheese have alcohol?
Yes, wine soaked cheese has alcohol. The level of alcohol depends on how much wine the cheese has absorbed, but it will generally be higher than the alcohol content of the wine itself.
Why Is It Called Drunken Goat Cheese?
The name comes from the fact that the cheese is made from the milk of goats that have been fed on a diet of wild mountain herbs and flowers, which gives the cheese its unique flavor.
What Is The Healthiest Cheese Brand?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different cheeses have different nutritional profiles. However, some healthier cheese brands include Organic Valley, Cabot Creamery, and Tillamook. These cheeses tend to be made with high-quality, organic ingredients and are lower in unhealthy fats and additives.
What Cheese Is Most Similar To Goat Cheese?
There are a variety of goat cheeses available, so it’s hard to say which cheese is most similar. However, some people might say that Chevre is the most similar to goat cheese. Chevre is a soft, fresh cheese made from goat’s milk. It has a slightly sour taste and a creamy texture.
Final Words
Drunken goat cheese is a fun alternative to regular soft goat cheese. It’s a great way to spice up your cheese plate or put a creative spin on your next cheese and cracker night. And while it may taste like alcohol, drunken goat cheese is definitely not the same thing as drinking alcohol. It’s just a strong, flavorful cheese that’s been marinating in booze. So go ahead and eat it—there’s nothing to be worried about.