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Raclette du Valais

Switzerland flag

Stink Level: 8/10

Semi-hard washed-rind cow's milk cheese from the Alps. It gives off a scent described as nutty, funky, sour milk, savory, with a taste that’s melted, nutty, rich, earthy, and a texture that's pale yellow, semi-firm, melts easily. It’s often enjoyed melted over potatoes or meats, paired with white swiss fendant wine.

Other names: Swiss Raclette

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Best enjoyed...

  • Melted over potatoes or meats.
  • Paired with white Swiss Fendant wine.

Is it the name, the look, or the legend that gets you? Tell us in a comment.

Schloss

Austria flag

Stink Level: 8/10

Austrian washed-rind cow’s milk cheese. It gives off a scent described as musty, fermented, sour, meaty, with a taste that’s sharp, nutty, salty, strong, and a texture that's orange rind, creamy center, soft and sticky. It’s often enjoyed used in open-faced sandwiches, served with pickles, paired with grüner veltliner.

Other names: Schlosskäse

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Best enjoyed...

  • Used in open-faced sandwiches.
  • Served with pickles.
  • Paired with Grüner Veltliner.

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Tomme des Pyrénées

France flag

Stink Level: 5/10

Pressed cow’s milk cheese with natural or waxed rind. It gives off a scent described as mild, nutty, earthy, cellar, with a taste that’s buttery, nutty, mild, slightly sweet, and a texture that's black or brown rind, semi-firm yellow paste. It’s often enjoyed served with nuts and ham, grated in casseroles, paired with madiran.

Other names: Tomme de chèvre de l'Île de Ré

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Best enjoyed...

  • Served with nuts and ham.
  • Grated in casseroles.
  • Paired with Madiran.

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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

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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

France flag

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.

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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.

Pont-l’Évêque

France flag

Stink Level: 7/10

Soft washed-rind cow's milk cheese in square form. It gives off a scent described as earthy, nutty, grassy, mild funk, with a taste that’s mildly salty, creamy, grassy, nutty, and a texture that's orange-beige rind, soft and springy texture. It’s often enjoyed served with pear or honey, on warm toast, paired with cider.

Other names: Pont-l'évêque cheese

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To the eye (and touch)
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Best enjoyed...

  • Served with pear or honey.
  • On warm toast.
  • Paired with cider.

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