I’ve never really been a fan of acid-washed jeans, but I’ve always had a place in my heart for washed rinds. Cheeses in this category are bathed or rubbed with various liquids (such as brine, beer, brandy, oil, or whey) during the aging process. This added liquid keeps the cheese moist, causing the rind to be soft and pliable. Washing the rind also stimulates growth of bacteria which imparts richer flavors.