Zamorano, The Ever So Much More So Manchego

There are few treasures as pure as some roasted Spanish almonds and a slice of well aged Manchego, but this might be one. Zamorano is effectively a much more intense and flavor-packed Manchego with a twist here or there to keep things interesting. It hails from the Castile Leon region where it is handmade from raw sheep's milk of the highest quality and, together with a rich tradition, that makes for one deluxe cheese.

Origin: Castile Leon, Spain
Milk: Sheep, unpasteurized
Rennet: Animal
Affinage: Over six months
Notes: 35% fat content. Awwww yeah.
Thoughts: Immediately a darker and nuttier flavor than Manchego, more complex and yet every bit as nutty and oily. That same oily goodness definitely features here and lends itself somehow to an even darker flavor, more mysterious and rich even than Manchego. Very heavy but creamy enough to match and carry the experience though, it makes for a mouth-watering treat and could be eaten just as easily out of hand as it could on a platter surrounded by fig jam and Spanish almonds. A Consistent flavor all the way through and smooth like butter texture make for an unforgettable cheese.

Caution

If you've not ever read  Robert McCloskey's Homer Price series then you really should check them out. Pretty much like Harry Potter but from the 1940s and not at all like Harry Potter.