The Washed Rind Board

The Washed Rind Board is a guided tour of cheese's boldest family: Germain Époisses, the spoon-soft washed rind from Burgundy; Haxaire Munster, made in the Alsace tradition; Bavarian Made Limburger, the famously aromatic German classic; and Vivaldi Taleggio from Lombardy, the gentlest of the four. La Panzanella Mini Croccantini and Fromage Ami Sour Cherry Spread round out the board, and an included drinks pairing card matches every cheese with wine, beer, and alcohol-free options.

What's Inside the Box

• Germain Époisses (8.8 oz): Burgundy's legendary washed rind — so soft at room temperature you serve it with a spoon. The orange rind is washed as it ripens, building a bold aroma over a rich, savory interior.
• Haxaire Munster (7.8 oz): Alsatian Munster made by Fromagerie Haxaire in the Vosges mountains — supple, buttery, and far friendlier on the palate than its aroma suggests.
• Bavarian Made Limburger (6.4 oz): The cheese with the big reputation. Underneath is a smooth, grassy paste that Germans have paired with rye bread, mustard, and raw onion for generations.
• Vivaldi Taleggio (8 oz): Lombardy's washed rind and the ideal starting point — fruity, tangy, and mild enough to convert first-timers.
• La Panzanella Original Mini Croccantini (6 oz): Thin, crisp Italian-style crackers that stay neutral so the cheeses lead.
• Fromage Ami Sour Cherry Spread (6 oz): Bright and tart — exactly what a rich washed rind wants next to it.
• Drinks pairing card: Wine, beer, and alcohol-free pairings for the whole board, from Gewürztraminer to ginger kombucha.

Why They'll Love It

• Big aromas, gentle flavors: Washed rinds smell far stronger than they taste — the interiors are creamy, savory, and often downright mild. This board proves it, one cheese at a time.
• A tasting with a built-in map: Start with the Taleggio, work toward the Époisses, and let the pairing card guide the drinks — including sparkling water with lemon or a ginger kombucha for anyone skipping alcohol.
• The gift for the curious: For the friend who orders the cheese course, the adventurous eater, or anyone ready to find out what the fuss is about.

Serving Tip

Room temperature is essential for washed rinds — take all four cheeses out of the fridge 45–60 minutes before serving so the Époisses loosens to its spoonable best. Taste from mildest to boldest: Taleggio, Munster, Limburger, then Époisses. Pour an Alsatian Gewürztraminer or a Belgian Trappist ale, and keep the sour cherry spread close — it refreshes the palate between bites.

Perfect For

Gifts for adventurous eaters · Cheese-club nights · Date-night boards · A well-earned self-treat · The friend who's "into cheese"

Product Specifications

Shipping & Delivery: Ships in an insulated cooler with gel ice packs. Refrigerate the cheeses as soon as they arrive.

Additional Notes: Contains milk and wheat. May contain traces of sesame. Serving board not included. Substitutions of equal or greater value may occur based on availability. Arrives in a Gourmet Dash gift box.

Common Questions

Do washed rind cheeses taste as strong as they smell?

No — the aroma lives in the rind, which is washed with brine as the cheese ripens. The paste inside is typically creamy, savory, and much milder than the smell suggests.

What order should we taste them in?

Mildest to boldest: Taleggio first, then Munster, Limburger, and finish with the Époisses — each step up will make sense.

How long do the cheeses keep after arrival?

Refrigerated and wrapped in cheese paper or wax paper (not plastic), they're best enjoyed within one to two weeks — washed rinds are made for eating, not storing.