O'Banon was one of the first cheeses made by Capriole in Indiana in 1988. That was the time that French names were needed to make a goat cheese interesting; Banon is an 'old' French cheese.
The difference between the French and the American version is more than just the name. O'Banon is larger than the French and fresher and lighter. The name of the artisanal cheese is inspired by Frank O'Bannon, the governor of Indiana.
Capriole soaks the chestnut leaves in Woodford Reserve Bourbon before wrapping the cheese. The tannins in the leave and the bourbon combine to give this creamy, dense cheese just a special nuance. O'Banon was awarded a first place in the Open Category Matinated Cheeses made from Goat's Milk at the American Cheese Society Competition of 2007 and again in 2009.