Epoisses

A washed rind cheese from France. Epoisses is one of the most iconic and talked-about cheeses in France. This washed-rind cheese from Burgundy is regularly bathed in Marc de Bourgogne (a local grape brandy) during aging, which gives it its characteristic orange-red, sticky rind and intensely aromatic character. The aroma is assertive, the flavor surprisingly nuanced: creamy, piquant, lightly salty, with a long and complex finish.

Napoleon was famously fond of it, and after one taste you'll understand why. Beneath the bold rind lies an almost liquid, creamy heart that spreads beautifully at room temperature. This is a cheese for adventurers, for cheese lovers who aren't put off by a powerful aroma and are rewarded with one of the most complex flavor experiences cheese has to offer.

Pairs well with: a glass of Gevrey-Chambertin, Marc de Bourgogne, or a full-bodied Bourgogne Blanc. Serve at room temperature with crusty bread. Combine with the Soumaintrain Fermier for a washed-rind duo, or the Chimay Poteaupre for a milder washed-rind option.