Costco holiday cheese selection

[Ruth Lafler]

Last year at least some of the Costcos in the Bay Area had special cheese selections (in big free-standing cool cases) for the holidays. They had some really great cheeses at some amazing prices. Has anyone seen them (yet) this year? Or if not, any other special cheese purchases for the holidays?

[ceekskat]

Maybe leftover from Holiday stock but picked up Cropwell Bishop Stilton today in Redwood City, CA for 5 bucks for 1.1lbs (have no idea of pricing outside Costco). Sample reminded me of Neal's Yard Cashel Blue so comparatively, felt like a steal.

[letsindulge]

They had the Rouge et Noir Camembert which is always good, and had the Semi-Soft Rosey Goat for the first time. It was divine with practically all varietals of wine. Planning a return trip to stock up for NYE. Thanks for the recommendations.

[Ruth Lafler]

My impression was that the cheese selection, while upgraded for the holidays, was not as outstanding as last year.

[Melanie Wong]

I didn't go in a store, so can't offer a personal comparison to last year. But I can say that the condition of two of the cheese was subpar. The Epoisses and the Pont l'Eveque were not in good form. Importer listed on the label is based in Washington state. At my local cheesemonger's last week picking out a blue for new year's eve, the Graindorge Pont l'Eveque and Berthaut Epoisses that were cut looked far more appetizing and luscious. The Delice de Bourgogne was fine as was the La Tur.

I had asked Wiliam if there were any taleggio or robiola available. He didn't see any.

Since this thread didn't get much response, I'm wondering if these cheeses are available across all stores or only on the West Coast.

[msmd310]

Had a delicious
Comte (a gruyere-style, I think)

went back and bought 2 more

[Melanie Wong]

My brother reports that La Tur is also available. He bought the cheeses at the Mountain View, CA store.

[letsindulge]

Hope they still have it. Perfect with bubbly.

[Melanie Wong]

Yes, absolutely. We toasted the New Year with La Tur + Vilmart Brut Champagne Grand Cellier 1er Cru NV and Fourme d'Ambert + 1994 Warres Vintage Porto.
http://www.whwc.com/p/303972

[roxlet]

We just tried the Camembert. I don't remember the exact name because my husband tossed it since it was essentially tasteless.

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

A few years ago, Costco stocked Cahill's Irish Porter Cheddar closer to St. Patrick's Day, a delicious, slightly sweet cheddar with beautiful brown marbling from the porter. Last year, they sold it again, but only in a 3-pack with a red wine cheddar (with pretty pink marbling) and an Irish whiskey cheddar (that didn't make much of an impact on me). I love the porter cheddar, and wish they carried it year-round. Even our local Whole Foods has never carried it.

[DuchessNukem]

I remember the Porter Cheddar -- that was a lovely cheese.

[DuchessNukem]

Cahill's Porter Cheddar sighted and purchased today at Tom Thumb (Safeway)! -- so hopefully at Costco also. (North TX)

Paid $7.99 for 7 oz @ Tom Thumb, maybe Costco price will be better. But so rich, the porter really mellows the smooth cheddar (I'm eating it right now in case it's not obvious lol).

[Melanie Wong]

My brother stocked my mom's refrigerator with

Chalancey Epoisses
Isigny Ste-Mere Pont L'Eveque
LIncet Le Delice de Bourgogne

They're all from Costco, don't know the prices.

[cwdonald]

I am amazed that Costco would carry an Epoisses. I assume it is a pasteurized version?

[Melanie Wong]

Yes, pasteurized milk Epoisses.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Actually thermolysed, l am pretty sure. Chalancy is the least interesting of the three makers of Epoisses, but thermolysed is still a far improvement on pasteurized.

[Melanie Wong]

This is my first taste of Chalancey, and it is a simpler flavor. The french label says lait pasteurisé, would that be inclusive of thermalyzed milk too or is a different term affixed?

[Delucacheesemonger]

Hard to tell, European labels are usually fictions to make all happy, except consumer. Thermolysed is a form of light pasteurization so is sort-of true, and certainly less controversial.