⭐ The "King of Cheeses": Intense Aroma, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Creaminess
Prepare for one of the most famous and fragrant cheeses in the world! This is Époisses, a classic French washed-rind cheese from the Burgundy region, made by the esteemed Berthaut company under the strict AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) standards.
Époisses is aged by being repeatedly washed with Marc de Bourgogne (a local brandy). This process is what gives the cheese its powerful, pungent aroma. However, the flavor is surprisingly rich, savory, and sweet, contrasting beautifully with the smell. When ripe and warm, the texture is so soft and gooey, it must be eaten with a spoon!
🌟 Why Époisses is the Ultimate Indulgence
1. The Aroma vs. Taste Contrast
Don't let the strong aroma (often likened to a deep savory mushroom or ammonia) deter you! The flavor is incredibly concentrated, offering a savory, milky richness with a hint of spirit from the Marc de Bourgogne. It's a complex taste that makes it an addictive centerpiece.
2. Size and Texture
Size: This is a 250g wheel, a perfect portion for a serious cheese board or a decadent dessert for a small group.
Spoonable Goodness: Époisses becomes completely runny from the outside in as it ripens. When soft, use a spoon to scoop the interior directly onto your bread.
3. Handling The Smell in a Japanese Fridge
If the strong aroma is a concern in your small Japanese refrigerator, keep the cheese in its original packaging and place the entire wheel in an airtight glass or plastic container to contain the fragrance.
💡 Serving Hacks & Classic Pairings
The Essential Serving Ritual
Serving Temperature (CRUCIAL): Always remove the cheese from the fridge at least 1 hour before serving. This is essential for the cheese to reach its peak creamy, spoonable state.
Rind: The rind is typically not eaten, especially when very ripe and strong.
🥂 Classic Pairings
Wine: The traditional pairing is a rich, red Burgundy wine (Pinot Noir) from the same region. Alternatively, a dry, aromatic Alsatian white wine works well.
Marc de Bourgogne: The brandy used to wash the cheese! Serve a small shot of Marc alongside the cheese to complement the flavors.
Food: Use rustic, strong-flavored bread like rye bread or baguette. Sweet accompaniments like fig jam, honey, or walnut pieces balance the savory intensity.
🍽️ Cooking (Do Not Heat!)
Époisses is not suitable for cooking. The high moisture and delicate flavor will be destroyed by heat. It is meant to be eaten raw, or slightly warmed via its own ambient temperature.
🌐 Global Reviews Highlight
"This cheese is intense, but the flavor payoff is incredible. It’s rich, salty, and milky—truly the king of soft cheeses."
"Berthaut's quality is consistently high. When you slice the top and scoop the interior onto a piece of crusty bread, it is pure decadence."
"The contrast between the strong smell and the refined, complex flavor is what makes this cheese so famous. It's a necessary centerpiece for any serious European dinner."
📋 Product Information
Net Weight: 250g wheel
Type: Washed Rind, Cow's Milk
Origin: Burgundy, France
Simplified Ingredients:
Milk, Salt, Rennet, Lactic Ferments, Marc de Bourgogne (Brandy)
