Flavor Profile 

• Buttery
• Earthy
• Umami

Quick Facts

• Cheddar
• Rubbed-rind, rubbed with crushed dried porcini mushrooms
• Vegetarian rennet
• Pasteurized cow's milk

Drink Pairings 

• Pinot Noir 
• Barolo 
• Nut Brown Ale

Storage

• Store between 33-40 degrees. Avoid fluctuations outside this range, which can cause the cheese to gas off (a.k.a. blowing).
• To avoid cross contamination, avoid storing near bloomy rind cheeses.
• If the quarter has blown in its original packaging and no mold is present, you can leave it in the packaging if it's out of public view. It's perfectly fine to consume. Cheese is a living being that likes to breathe a little.
• Feel free to rewrap or reseal the blown quarter. If that doesn't do it, contact your distributor or email hello@beehivecheese.com.
• If the 4-oz retail wedges have blown, contact your distributor or hello@beehivecheese.com.

How to cut & wrap Queen Bee Porcini 

• There should be rind present on every retail cut. Check out the video above for a visual. You would cut Queen Bee Porcini the same way you'd cut Barely Buzzed.  
• Tight plastic wrap is the best to mitigate mold. Cheese paper, while sexy, reduces shelf life after cutting.

What if there's mold present?

• For quarter wheels, if the cheese is within date and has a few spots of white, blue, or green mold, brush off the spots. Seek a credit if the mold is so pervasive that it cannot be brushed off. For 4-oz wedges in the original packaging, contact your distributor to seek a credit.
• If you see orange, red, or black mold, discard this cheese and contact your distributor. 

Magic mushroom dust

Porcini mushrooms are a delicacy most commonly found in Italy, prized for their deep, earthy flavor. We were lucky enough to have a friend who imported beautiful foods from Italy, including dried porcini mushrooms. Over time, as the mushrooms tumbled together in their bags, they left behind a fine layer of porcini dust—tiny golden flecks of concentrated flavor.  

Instead of letting this magic dust go to waste, our friend began saving it up for us. When he had enough, he’d send it our way, and we’d rub it onto our cheese. The result? A flavor unlike anything we’d ever tasted. The umami-rich porcini powder amplified the natural savoriness of our cheddar, creating a cheese that was complex, buttery, and deeply satisfying.  

One of the most fascinating parts of working with porcini dust was its ever-changing color. Depending on the season the mushrooms were harvested, the powder would come in shades ranging from golden brown to deep rust red, adding to the uniqueness of each batch.  

Queen Bee Porcini was born from this unexpected gift—a cheese that proves sometimes the best flavors come from the finest details.

Pairings

Chardonnay, with its rich oak flavor, forms a perfect pairing with the buttery and savory notes in the cheese, creating a harmonious combination that doesn't overpower. The wine's oak influence complements and enhances the cheese's buttery and savory qualities, allowing both elements to shine individually while also creating a cohesive and enjoyable taste experience. The balance achieved between the Chardonnay's oak richness and the cheese's delightful flavors ensures a delightful and satisfying pairing.

Malbec, renowned for its full-bodied nature and savory finish, boasts a velvety texture that pairs exquisitely with the creaminess and buttery notes of the cheese. The wine's robust character complements the rich and luscious qualities of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the overall tasting experience.

Pinot Noir, with its light to medium body and earthy notes reminiscent of the forest floor, brings forth the distinct flavors of porcini mushrooms found in the cheese's rind. The wine's nuanced and earthy profile beautifully interacts with the cheese, resulting in a harmonious combination that highlights the unique qualities of both.

Grenache and blends, known for their intense flavors and earthy herbaceous notes, seamlessly blend with the savory umami flavor of the cheese. The wine's robust and herbaceous character enhances the cheese's savory profile, creating a captivating fusion of flavors that delights the palate.

The Red Ale boasts a roasted character, mild fruitiness, and a smooth finish, which make it an excellent companion for the creamy and savory notes of Queen Bee Porcini. The roasted flavors of the beer harmonize with the cheese, while its subtle fruitiness adds a touch of complexity. The smooth finish of the Red Ale creates a pleasant contrast to the cheese, resulting in a well-balanced and satisfying pairing.

With its full-bodied flavor, the Stout is an ideal match for the rich and umami cheese. The robustness of the beer complements the depth of flavors in the cheese, enhancing its savory qualities. The smooth and velvety texture of the Stout further enhances the creamy mouthfeel of the cheese, creating a luxurious and indulgent combination that is sure to delight the palate.