Product Review: Mifroma Alpenhorn

Image courtesy of Mifroma USA.

Swiss cheese enthusiasts, rejoice! Our friends at Mifroma have graciously sent us their Alpenhorn cheese to sample, and we're excited to share our tasting experience with you. The prestigious Alpenhorn cheese, renowned for its exceptional quality, is meticulously crafted from the rich, creamy milk sourced exclusively from horned Braunvieh cows. Horned Braunvieh cows, a breed native to the Alpine regions of Europe, are prized for their ability to produce milk with a high butterfat content and a distinctively rich flavor profile. This milk is known for its creamy texture and is often sought after by artisanal cheese producers for its superior qualities.

This exceptional milk, coupled with adherence to traditional techniques and meticulous care involved in its production process, gives Alpenhorn its distinctive smoothness and luxurious texture.

Image courtesy of Mifroma USA.

Alpenhorn's appearance differs a bit from your typical Swiss cheese. It has a smooth, creamy texture with some crystals and very few small holes. The silky texture comes from the addition of cream during production. It has a mild, pleasant aroma, with nutty and slightly sweet notes.

Upon taking my first bite, I was greeted with a rich and creamy texture. There was a delicate crunchiness present, adding an intriguing dimension to the overall velvety and delightful mouthfeel. The flavor profile of the Alpenhorn cheese is a blend of nuttiness with subtle hints of sweetness, as well as brothy, onion notes. Each bite offers a taste of Swiss craftsmanship at its finest, showcasing the expertise and dedication that goes into producing this cheese. As someone who typically veers away from more conventional Swiss cheeses like Emmental, I found myself pleasantly taken aback by the flavor of Alpenhorn!

Due to its creamy texture and pleasant flavor, Alpenhorn is a very versatile cheese. It would be the ultimate choice for cheese fondue. Its irresistibly creamy texture and decadent flavor profile make it the perfect companion for dipping potatoes and vegetables.

Regarding pairings, my selections would be Chardonnay, cornichons, prosciutto, and nuts. The buttery richness of Chardonnay mirrors the creamy mouthfeel of Alpenhorn, while its subtle oak notes add depth to the pairing. Cornichons, with their tangy and briny profile, provide a refreshing contrast that cuts through the cheese's richness, enhancing its flavors without overpowering them. The delicate saltiness and savory aroma of prosciutto beautifully complement the nutty and brothy notes of Alpenhorn, creating a delightful savory-sweet balance. Finally, nuts such as walnuts or almonds add a satisfying crunch and amplify the nuttiness of the cheese.

In conclusion, I was genuinely impressed by every element of Alpenhorn cheese. The unique interplay of textures, characterized by a satisfying crunchiness juxtaposed with velvety smoothness, added an extra dimension to the cheese-eating experience. From its initial nutty sweetness to the subtle hints of savory richness that lingered on the palate, each bite of Alpenhorn cheese revealed new layers of depth and character. Alpenhorn is surely a standout choice for discerning cheese aficionados and beginners alike.