Cheese of the Week 7.23.2006 Absolut blackcurrant vodka cheddar

This cheese, which I bought at Max's Market, must be sampled to be believed. The name caught my eye immediately because I was intrigued by the idea of combining vodka and cheese. Cheese pairs well with any number of spirits, wines and liqueurs, but vodka is not one that springs to mind immediately.

This is a hard cheddar cheese that has been infused with blackcurrant vodka, and there's no way you could tell by looking at it that it's not regular cheddar. Your first slice of this hard white cheese might even convince you that you've been duped, until the final five seconds. The cheese finishes with a suble and yet very distinct flavour of blackcurrant, adding a touch of sweetness to the saltiness of the cheddar.