Have Tea Have It: Artisan Cheddar Rubbed with Earl Grey Tea

Oh, how I love Aldi.  For me, it is like Trader Joe’s understated, practical European cousin: consistently good quality, without any fuss or fanfare.  It has some good staples and the occasional treat that adds an air of excitement to shopping there.  You never know what unexpected delight is waiting for you.

Have Tea Have It: Artisan Cheddar Rubbed with Earl Grey Tea is one such delight.  Who would have thought to combine tea and cheese?!?  Not me, and I love them both!  It is such an unusual treat; a complete sensory delight.

I was not sure what to expect when I opened the package. It is (IMO) a pretty unusual flavor combo, and it really could have gone either way. The aroma was sharp cheddar, with none of the bergamot notes I was expecting.  But the taste….OH MY!  The bergamot adds such a delightful tanginess, in just the right measure.  I kept saying MMM MMM MMM with every bite.

I ate a few slices of Cracker Barrel Vermont sharp white cheddar for a side by side comparison.  The Earl Grey cheese is sharper, and pairs well with grapes.  It also goes great with Rishi Earl Grey tea, if you want to double up on the Earl Grey experience.

Aldi’s Have Tea Have It Earl Grey Cheese is SO good, I really hope I am lucky enough to find it at the store again.  From past experience, their specialty cheeses tend to be in limited supply, and they sell out fast.  If you are even remotely interested in trying it, I suggest you get to Aldi soon!