Langres (Tesco ‘Finest’)
A farmier, punchier alternative to venerable cheeseboard workhorses like Brie and Camembert, Langres is a semi-soft, washed-rind French cow’s cheese. It is substantially stronger in flavour and smell; whether this is a plus or not depends on your tolerance for the stench of feet and farmyards.
I personally love this stench, so I approve of this cheese. The flavour is quite deep, complex and farmy. Those seeking a simpler, creamier flavour will be inclined towards Brie; those who like their cheeses rich, ripe and reeking may like to explore Langres instead. A few steps further along that path lead to Epoisses, a similar, but still stronger, washed-rind soft cheese.
Use cases for this cheese match those of its more common brethren. Alone, it marginally holds its own thanks to the more full-bodied, farmy flavour, but would seldom be my first port of call for solitary cheese. It shines on savoury crackers, such as oatcakes or Hovis biscuits, and also performs well on bread. Pairing with fruit is risky as the strong flavours can clash unpleasantly. I inadvertently drank some Robinson’s Grapefruit Fruit and Barley Squash while consuming this cheese for review and the pairing was utterly repulsive.
The increased strength means I wouldn’t casually motor through terrifying quantities of this without pause or notice (as one does with Brie), but it is welcome as a friskier alternative.
Its farmy nature means it may not be for everyone; for the interesting taste and compellingly footlike aroma I rate this 6.5 out of 10.
I love cheese. Most of all I love the strongest Cheddars available; ewe’s or goat’s cheese are also often hits.