In the U.S., many rich cheeses like Brie, Camembert and triple crèmes like Pierre Robert are too buttery and lack a distinctive kick of flavor. St Pat, on the other hand, provides a sensational surprise to the palate with a sweet, nutty vegetal taste reminiscent of artichokes. Tucking into a luxuriously creamy half-pound wheel of St Pat is like partaking of a springtime cheesecake.

Read more about St Pat after the jump.

Hailing from Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station, Calif., St Pat is a bloomy rind cow's milk cheese with a striking exterior covered in mossy green nettle leaves that are partially hidden under white edible mold.

The off-white interior of this four-week-old cheese has a remarkably gooey texture that stays together while slicing. It is thick and cakey at the center and becomes oozier closer to the rind. Michael Zilber, a retail manager with the Cowgirls, explains that the changing texture is due to the affinage process. "It ripens inwards, from outside in," he says, adding that the texture and taste of St Pat can be partially attributed to a Dutch method of cheesemaking (instead of a French one). The difference between the two techniques has to do with the handling of the curds: In the Dutch process, they are cooked and washed, which reduces the amount of lactose. According to Zilber, lowering the amount of lactose results in an increase in the level of sweetness, which produces a caramel-like flavor similar to a Dutch Gouda.

When asked about the name St Pat, Zilber explains that it has to do with two factors: the green nettle leaves and the cheese's availability in early spring, around St. Patrick's Day (when nettle leaves are in season). By Labor Day, nettle plants are no longer blossoming, so Cowgirl Creamery instead covers the cheese in locally procured dried herbs for its autumnal Pierce Pt.

You can purchase St Pat now, while it's still in season, from one of Cowgirl Creamery's three store locations or its Web site, as well as from several cheese shops nationwide that carry Cowgirl Creamery cheeses. It retails for about $12 per piece and is worth every bite!