Morbier (Lidl “Deluxe”)
I like to think I am a fair person. I like to give things a chance and often will give a poor showing the benefit of the doubt. Such was the case with my first experience of Morbier. It arrived at our cheese night on the recommendation of one of our number. However, the cheese that lay before us was certainly not in the correct state to be served with a thin fur developing on the rind. Whatever happened to this poor cheese was not a fair reflection and I endeavoured to give it a fair trial with a fresh batch. So here we are!
Morbier is a French semi-soft cheese with a slightly rubbery texture and a distinctive layer of ash cutting through the middle of the cheese. Despite sounding like a French word for death, it actually translated to ‘grandfather clock’. However, the cheese is actually named for the village it is from rather than the antique timepiece. The cheese comes in wheels with an edible rind. The thin layer of ash makes this cheese instantly recognisable and the packaging promises a rich and creamy flavour with a strength rating of 4.
So does it live up to this? Well, the texture has a certain elastic nature but otherwise doesn’t present much to write home about. Describing the flavour as rich was possibly not exhibited fully and as for strength, it felt like it was somewhat lacking. As with many cheeses, the closer to the rind you got yielded more promising results but I couldn’t escape the feeling that the cheese has always just off reaching its potential. Even the visually interesting ash layer didn’t offer much in the way of a taste sensation.
Perhaps my love of stronger cheeses has blighted my view of this cheese. That being said, having now rated 3 different Morbier cheeses, it feels like the lukewarm response has some basis. Its not a bad cheese as such but neither is it a great one. All of this being said, my mother confidently stated that it was (and I quote) “The most gorgeous cheese I have tasted”. On the other hand, my father gave it a 4/10 – maybe its a gender thing!
RATING – 4.5
RECOMMENDATION – If you are man – don’t eat it. If not then go nuts! Seriously though, if you like your cheeses on the mild side then it’s worth a try – especially at just £1.49 per 100g
Consummate copious consumer of cheese. Lover of a good strong cheddar!
Asi jsem tedy žena neb mně chutná výborně