The cheese on the left is Bra Tenero.
From the www.artisanalcheese.com description:
Bra Tenero is a cow’s milk cheese from Piedmont region of Northern Italy. Bra Tenero, a younger and softer cheese than its cousin Bra Duro, has a semi hard texture and a dense, slightly piquant flavor. Pair this cheese with a Cabernet or hearty Italian red.
The cheese snob says: Description is spot on, and the cheese is wonderful. A
The casual cheese eater says: More please. A
The cheese snob says: A fine somewhat crumbly version of the more traditional Pecorino. A modest B.
The casual cheater says: Nope. Did not like.
From www.artisanalcheese.com:
The Old Chatham Shepherding Company’s Hudson Valley Camembert is a creamy, soft-ripened square made from the milk of Old Chatham’s herd of 100 East Fresian sheep combined with hormone-free cow’s milk from a neighbor’s farm.
The cheese snob says: Camembert is a delightful cheese in general, although somewhat generic these days thanks to mass production. Nonetheless, when I tried this cheese I was reminded that there is a difference between something that is well done, and something that is mass produced. B+
The casual cheese eater says: Not a big fan of camembert in general, but this was pretty good B.
My wife believes that my cheese reviews are a form of porn.
She’s probably right. My reviews provide pictures and descriptions with the sole intent of evoking an emotional response.
Unlike real porn, you can get the real thing by just going to http://www.artisanalcheese.com
From www.artisanalcheese.com:
Fiscalini Bandaged Cheddar is the product of master craftsman Mariano Gonzalez, who perfected his art at Vermon’ts Shelburne Farms developing one of the first domestic bandaged-wrapped cow’s milk Cheddars. Fiscalini Bandaged Cheddar is a true American farmstead cheddar and sings with a luxurious balance of buttery, grassy and savory flavors. This cheese is one of the few American cheddars that can compete with the famed cheddars of Neal’s Yard Dairy in England. Try this cheese with crisp apples, or toss a handful into pie crust for a truly sensational apple pie. Pair with an American Craft Ale or wines such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Grenache.
The cheese snob says: Whenever I fly through heathrow I buy a ridiculous amount of Cheddar that I must eat in the airport and in the flight home to avoid confiscation. There is something about English cheddar that simply makes it taste better. When I tried this cheese, something of that English cheddar was brought to mind. Now that I re-read the review, I am convinced that that memory was authentic. This is what cheddar is supposed to taste like. A
The casual cheese eater says: More please. A+
From www.artisanalcheese.com:
Nancy’s Hudson Valley Camembert made by Old Chatham Sheepherding Company is a creamy, soft-ripened cheese. A gold medal recipient at the 2007 World Cheese Awards. The Camembert is a meltingly smooth and buttery with a texture of triple-creme. Pairs beautifully with Champagne as well as Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.
The cheese snob says: This is a great Camembert. A
The casual cheese eater: Tasty, but Camembert is not my thing. B-
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From www.artisanalcheese.com:
The Coupole, made by Vermont Butter and Cheese, is a fresh, young goat’s milk cheese shaped like a small dome and dusted with vegetable ash. As the Coupole ages, a slightly wrinkled skin develops, and the paste softens and liquefies.
The cheese snob says: Not as superb as the Hoja Santa, but still a delightful goats milk cheese. B
The casual cheese consumer says: I like it a lot. I don’t know why the snob thinks this is not as good as the Hoja Santa cheese. Can we buy more? A+.
From www.artisanalcheese.com:
Bayley Hazen is a wonderful raw milk blue from Mateo Kehler.
The cheese snob says: This is a delightfully light blue cheese. With enough bite to be still a blue but without the nasal clearing amonia that stronger blue cheeses have. I would give this a solid B+.
The cheese consumer says: Blue. Ugh. I was able to swallow a small piece so we give at D.
From www.artisanalcheese.com:
This cheese is a wonderful American artisanal cheddar.
The cheese snob says: If you like cheddar, you can hardly do wrong with this one. A.
The cheese consumer says: More please! A
From www.artisanalcheese.com:
A lightly spiced goat’s milk cheese.
The cheese snob says: A great creamy cheese that goes well with a spiced chutney. B+
The cheese consumer says: An awesome cheese that goes well with anything! A+