Washed-rind cheeses are among the most unique and flavorful artisan cheeses. The product of exacting science, skilled cheesemaking and labor-intensive affinage, these cheeses are bathed regularly by hand during aging with a bacterial solution to promote ripening and flavor development.

Big and bold, the category comprises Old World classics such as Gruyere, Limburger and Fontina, as well as Wisconsin originals like Brick, Pleasant Ridge Reserve, Benedictine and Canaria - cheese that marry European techniques and American ingenuity. Founded more than 150 years ago by immigrants who brought their best-loved cheese traditions to America, Wisconsin's cheesemaking industry today leads the nation in production of authentic, award-winning, washed-rind cheeses.