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Smell mushroomy

Camembert

France flag

Stink Level: 6/10

Soft-ripened cow's milk cheese with bloomy rind. It gives off a scent described as earthy, mushroomy, vegetal, ammonia, with a taste that’s buttery, nutty, creamy, mild tang, and a texture that's white rind, creamy inside, soft, runny when ripe. It’s often enjoyed baked whole, served with apples or nuts, paired with cider or champagne.

Other names: Camembert de Normandie

On the nose
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On the tongue
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To the eye (and touch)
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Best enjoyed...

  • Baked whole.
  • Served with apples or nuts.
  • Paired with cider or Champagne.

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Petit Fiancé des Pyrénées

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Stink Level: 7/10

Soft cow's milk cheese from the Pyrenees. It gives off a scent described as earthy, milky, mushroomy, tangy, with a taste that’s mildly sweet, creamy, grassy, nutty, and a texture that's wrinkled rind, soft interior, ivory paste. It’s often enjoyed served with dried fruits, crusty bread, paired with white bordeaux.

On the nose
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On the tongue
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To the eye (and touch)
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Best enjoyed...

  • Served with dried fruits.
  • Served with rusty bread.
  • Paired with white Bordeaux.

Heard of it, seen it, avoided it? Tell us why—or why not—in a comment.

Robiola

Italy flag

Stink Level: 5/10

Soft mixed-milk cheese (cow, sheep, goat). It gives off a scent described as mild, lactic, mushroomy, grassy, with a taste that’s tangy, creamy, buttery, slightly sharp, and a texture that's white rind, creamy and spreadable interior. It’s often enjoyed served with truffle honey, figs, crackers, paired with barbera.

Other names: Robiola Piemonte

On the nose
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On the tongue
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To the eye (and touch)
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Best enjoyed...

  • Served with truffle honey.
  • Served with figs.
  • Served with crackers.
  • Paired with Barbera.

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