Valdeon

Rennet: Animal

Milk: Pasteurized Cow's and Goat's Milk

Cheese: Type 5 Natural Rind

Related: Cabrales, Picon

Origin: Made in the Asturias Mountains of Spain

Age: 4-6 months.

Story: The blues of the Asturias are the most ferocious beasts in the cheese world. Valdeon and its ilk are the bluest of the blues, the strongest of the strong. They are wrapped in chestnut leaves, and allowed to develop natural rinds during aging. This does little for the cheese, as the subtle fruity and nutty flavors the paste develops are blown out of the water by the profusion of blue. Its like chugging hot sauce, or taking your tongue to a belt sander. Eat with caution!

Pairings: Pedro Ximenez and Port.

1/4 LB 1/3 LB 1/2 LB 2/3 LB 3/4 LB 1 LB 2 LB 3 LB 4 LB 5 LB $16.00 per pound