HCT Cheese Blog – Brennan’s Smoked Cheddar
My roommate picked up the subject of this HCT Cheese Blog after tasting a sample at our last trip to Brennan’s.
Biographical Information
- Brennan’s Smoked Cheddar
- Purchased from: Brennan’s Market (Madison, West Side)
The smoked aspect of this cheddar is really the standout feature. I don’t love the underlying cheddar nearly as much as Hook’s Four Year, which is my personal favorite, but it’s still a high quality cheese; anywhere outside Wisconsin it’d be exceptional.
Here, it’s sort of average. Creamy but not especially rich or tangy, slightly dry, halfway between mild and sharp.
Being the star attraction, it’s fortunate that the smokey quality is pretty good. This makes a solid cheese for appetizers, toppings for burgers and the like, or if you’re in the mood for something smokey or a tad different.
Recommended. 3/5 stars
Second Opinion: The roommate thinks this is outstanding and gives it at least a 4/5. She is wrong of course, but I will humor her to avoid savage beatings.
I am also a big fan of Brennan’s Smoked Cheddar, but in my humble opinion, it is far surpassed by Fromagination’s Applewood Cheddar. However, the Applewood Cheddar is not for the fan of the “slightly smoked” cheddar cheese. It is a full-out, no holds barred, smoked to within an inch of its life cheddar.
Brennan’s Smoked Cheddar is a great appetizer when served atop fresh apple slices. I agree with the roommate – 4/5 at least.