What is this cheese?

[Glencora]

I am cat-sitting for a relative and also poking around in the fridge and I've discovered an unmarked cheese that I really like. It's a piece from a round that must have been about six inches across, one and a half tall. It has no rind, but is covered in ash (?). It's chalk white with a dense texture. Not gooey, not crumbly. The flavor is a tiny bit brie-ish, but not really. It's pretty salty, too. Any ideas so that I can buy my own and stop this illict nibbling?

[PaulV]

Sounds like it might describe Bouq Émissaire, an aged Quebec goat cheese. Ones of my faves.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouq_%C3...

[ESNY]

Can't help you identify it but both Murrays and Artisanal (NY shops) have pretty thorough websites that might help you uncover the type of cheese.

[mrbozo]

Tough one. I'm guessing that it's a goat cheese, either French, American or Québécois.

[Glencora]

I've gone to a couple websites and it looks like you're right. Most (all?) ash-coated cheeses seem to be goat. (btw, I liked your first response)

[mrbozo]

I've had Québec goat cheese whose rind was ash coated and since Québec artisanal cheesemaking is heavily influenced by French traditions ... that and the "chalk white" colour.

Ah yes: Vapeur d'Invisibilité ... ;)