Port and cheese are always a great combination, but what if the Port was in the cheese? Jasper Hill Farm has partnered with Sandeman Port to create just such a thing. Harbison, similar to brie, is a creamy, gooey, cheese, and the Port finish here is mild yet noticeable. The flavors of the mushroom and earthiness of the cheese with its slight funk would pair well with Port in a glass. The cheese begins receiving Port washes five days after it is made. The Port is mixed with a saline brine, and they added the Port at maximum effective strength (modulated between 375ml-750ml per 8 liters of brine) in order to impart the most pigmentation and aromatics. Each batch receives three to five washes. Most of the washing is done by a brushing robot then receiving touch-up washings by hand. After the wash series, the cheese gets a final one to two weeks in the vault to develop a comingling rind of yeasty washed rind and a slight dusting of penicillium bloom. The result is a decadent Port-tinged cheese that you won’t soon forget. 91
Reviewed by Michael Cervin
Brand – Jasper Hill
Spirit Type – Other
Other Designation – Harbison Cheese
Country of Origin – USA/Portugal
Size – 5 ounce
Price – $15
Score – 91
Date Reviewed – 11/24/2022