In this infographic we share ten of the stinkiest cheeses in the world.
Here’s what makes the list:
- Taleggio
- Stilton
- Stinking Bishop
- Limburger
- Roquefort
- Brie de Meaux
- Epoisses
- Munster
- Camembert
- Pont l’Eveque
Check out the infographic for more.
Cheese is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and diverse foods in the world. From mild and creamy to sharp and pungent, cheese comes in countless varieties to satisfy every palate. While some people prefer the milder options, there are those who seek out the most aromatic and intense cheeses they can find.
If you’re an adventurous cheese lover looking for the ultimate olfactory experience, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll take a flavorful journey through the top 10 stinkiest cheeses in the world, each with its unique history, production methods, and, of course, its distinctive aroma.
Taleggio
Our journey begins in the Lombardy region of Italy, where Taleggio cheese has been crafted for centuries. This semi-soft, washed-rind cheese is renowned for its strong aroma and creamy texture. Taleggio’s unique scent comes from its bacteria-washed rind, which produces a pungent and earthy aroma reminiscent of wet hay and mushrooms. Despite its strong smell, Taleggio has a mild and buttery flavor that balances out its intense scent. This cheese is often enjoyed with crusty bread and a glass of red wine.
Stilton
Hailing from her in the United Kingdom, Stilton cheese is a true classic in the world of stinky cheeses. Known as the “King of English Cheeses,” Stilton is a blue cheese with a crumbly texture and a distinctive smell that can fill a room. The cheese’s aroma is sharp and tangy, with hints of earthiness and mold. Stilton’s bold flavor pairs well with sweet accompaniments like pear or fig preserves, making it a favorite on cheese platters around the world.
Stinking Bishop
Stinking Bishop, named after a variety of pear used in its production, is an English cheese with an unforgettable odor. This semi-soft cheese has a washed rind, and its smell is often described as a combination of ripe fruit, fermented pears, and earthy notes. Stinking Bishop’s scent is so strong that it’s said to have inspired the character Wallace in the famous Wallace and Gromit animations. Despite its pungency, the taste is creamy and mellow, making it an intriguing cheese for adventurous eaters.
Limburger
Limburger cheese has earned a notorious reputation for its overpowering aroma. Originally from Belgium but famously produced in Germany and the United States, Limburger cheese is known for its stench, which can be likened to sweaty feet, ammonia, and garlic. However, don’t let the smell deter you – the flavor is much milder and pleasantly creamy, with a slight tang. Traditionally, Limburger is enjoyed on rye bread with onions and mustard, creating a unique and satisfying combination of flavors.
Roquefort
In France, Roquefort reigns as the king of blue cheeses. Made from sheep’s milk, Roquefort boasts a strong and unmistakable aroma, characterized by the pungent scent of blue mold. The cheese’s flavor is equally intense, with a sharp and salty profile that pairs beautifully with sweet fruits like grapes or pears. Roquefort is often crumbled over salads or spread on crackers to experience its full, robust taste.
Brie de Meaux
Brie de Meaux is a French cheese that offers a delightful contrast between its creamy interior and its pungent aroma. While the cheese itself is soft, smooth, and mild, its rind emits a strong earthy scent. This aroma is a result of the cheese’s unique production process, which includes ripening in underground cellars. Brie de Meaux is often enjoyed with fresh baguettes, allowing you to experience the perfect balance between the rich, creamy texture and the intense fragrance of its rind.
Epoisses
Epoisses is a truly aromatic cheese from the Burgundy region of France. This soft, unctuous cheese is washed with a mixture of brine and Marc de Bourgogne, a local grape brandy. The result is a cheese with a distinct orange rind and an aroma that can be described as strong, pungent, and meaty. Some even say Epoisses smells like a well-aged locker room. However, those who dare to taste it are rewarded with a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavor. Epoisses is often served with crusty bread or crackers to balance its intense smell.
Munster
Munster cheese, not to be confused with American Muenster cheese, hails from the Alsace and Lorraine regions of France. It’s a semi-soft, cow’s milk cheese known for its bold aroma and distinctive reddish-orange rind. Munster’s scent is characterized by a combination of earthy, barnyard, and cabbage-like notes. Despite its strong smell, the taste is creamy, tangy, and slightly salty. Munster is traditionally served with potatoes and onions, making it a hearty and comforting dish.
Camembert
Camembert cheese is a beloved French classic that is often compared to its close cousin, Brie. However, Camembert has its own unique character and aroma. This soft, creamy cheese has a white, bloomy rind that gives off a strong and earthy scent with hints of mushrooms and grass. The flavor is rich and buttery, making it a favorite for spreading on baguettes or enjoying with crisp apple slices. Camembert’s aroma may be intense, but its taste is undeniably delightful.
Pont l’Eveque
Our final stop on this aromatic cheese journey brings us to Pont l’Eveque, another renowned French cheese. This square-shaped cheese with a washed rind is known for its strong and pungent odor, which can be described as a combination of wet straw, earth, and mushrooms. The aroma intensifies as the cheese matures, creating a unique olfactory experience. However, don’t be deterred by its smell – Pont l’Eveque has a creamy, buttery, and slightly tangy flavor that has won the hearts of cheese connoisseurs around the world.
Conclusion
For cheese aficionados who crave an olfactory adventure, the world of stinky cheeses offers a tantalizing array of options. From the bold and robust Roquefort to the pungent and legendary Limburger, each of these cheeses has its own story to tell, a unique production process, and a scent that can be detected from across the room.
While the aromas of these cheeses may be an acquired taste, it’s essential to remember that the strong smell often belies a milder and more complex flavor profile. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, embark on a sensory journey and explore these top 10 stinkiest cheeses in the world. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite that tickles your taste buds and challenges your sense of smell in the most delightful way possible.
