Epoisses Berthaut

About this item

Originally from the Bourgogne region of France, Epoisses was first made by Cistercian monks. It has kept its saintly status, referred to as the "pieds de Dieu" or the "feet of God." Which is fitting, as this cheese stinks to high heaven (To the point where it was temporarily banned on the Paris metro system).

Epoisses is a whole milk cheese that gets lovingly washed for 4 weeks in a brine and Marc de Bourgogne (a local eau de vie spirit). This washing process gives the rind its signature sunset orange color, and inescapable smell.  The exterior rind is where the aroma is most pungent, with notes of honeysuckle blossom and animal manure. But the interior cheese is balanced, buttery, and savory. 

While this cheese is not for the faint of heart, it certainly has a cult following. Many an intrepid cheese enthusiast has gotten addicted to the funk after trying Epoisses, including our very own Richard Sutton. Richard credits Epoisses with sparking his all-consuming passion of cheese, which ultimately led to the creation of St. James Cheese Company. 

Milk Type: Pasteurized Cow's Milk

Sold By: The piece. (Each piece is 8.8 ounces)

Origin: Bourgogne, France

Pairings: Côte de Beaune, sour beers, off-dry cider, hot crusty bread, Saucisson Sec, cornichons. 

***This is a very stinky cheese. If you are ordering it to be shipped, it will smell very strongly upon arrival. This is not an indication that it is spoiled.***