La Brique Hyelzas

La Brique is an interesting cheese. It is made from unpasteurized goat’s milk lending the cheese a rather pungent, unique flavor. But the interesting aspect of the cheese lies in its shape and its unique, ashy coat. Simply known as ‘The Brick’, this cheese is anything but simple.

The ash coating on the cheese was used as a way to naturally repel pesky insects that would feed on the cheese. Thanks to modern cheese making techniques, this is no longer necessary, but the ash coating is kept as a homage to the beginnings of this cheese and to add an extra, unique layer of flavor to the cheese.

This interesting cheese is sharp and lactic, but features a wonderful creaminess. Notes of grass and nuts are most evident. This semi-soft cheese is most enjoyed on fresh, crust baguette with nothing more than a thick smear of butter. Pair this cheese with a good Pouilly-Fume white.

Storage Instructions

Cheeses (except brined ones in jars) should be stored in the crisper or the butter drawer of a refrigerator, not on the shelves themselves. This is to help regulate their temperature and humidity levels—and prevents the formation of mold. Once opened, they should not be kept in their original packaging. Soft cheeses with delicate rinds need to breathe, so they are best placed in glass containers lined with paper towels to absorb extra moisture. Leave the lid open a tiny bit for air to circulate and don’t forget to write up a label with the date you first opened the package. Kindly pay attention to the best before date label when you receive your cheese. Consume prior to date indicated.