Epoisses - Berthaut

Epoisses - Berthaut, 250 g

Delight in the unique flavors of Epoisses. A washed rind cheese from Berthaut, washed in Marc de Bourgogne and sold as a whole 250 g wheel, with all the funk that implies.

Why you'll love it

• Marc de Bourgogne wash — the rind is washed with the Burgundian pomace brandy, which is what gives Époisses its famous smell and sting.
• Runny when ripe — at room temperature the paste slumps toward liquid, so plan to scoop rather than slice.
• Pasteurized cow's milk — a pasteurized cow's milk cheese made in France, so the flavor is consistent wheel to wheel.
• A whole 250 g wheel — the classic size, and enough for four people to make a proper go of it.
• One of the great stinkers — aromatic enough that it needs its own corner of the board, and mild enough to win people over once they taste it.

How to enjoy Scoop it out with a spoon onto boiled potatoes, warm bread or a baked potato, and serve it with something sharp to cut the richness. Burgundy is the regional pairing, and a marc alongside is not a bad idea.

Not a shy cheese: buy it for the people at your table who order the strongest thing on the menu.