Somerdale Wensleydale & Blueberries Review
Author’s note: Not a paid or sponsored review, as always. I have no affiliation with either Somerdale or Costco. (Or Goo Gone!)
Friends don’t let friends eat wax.
My first impression slicing into this wheel is that it smells richly of blueberries. Wonderful aroma. But my second impression is that there are very few actual berries. More about that in a minute.
Cheese texture
I adored the creamy, moist texture. In fact, it’s soooo moist, I almost expect it to be “spreadable.” But, it’s crumbly instead — the way a good Wensleydale should be. Somerdale’s sliced cheese holds together better than Aldi’s (similar) Cranberry White Cheddar.
The flavors are tangy-delicate. Like cream cheese, but more grown-up. Despite smelling like dessert, this cheese is definitely a savory item. There’s a light sweetness from added “fructose,” but it’s just enough to compliment the salty dairy flavors.
Slightly bitter aftertaste
Mine had an odd aftertaste. It’s slightly bitter. That was a big disappointment. And surprising, since there are added sweeteners in the cheese. I would think the “sugars” would mask any bitterness. I was still able to eat the cheese, but it left me smacking my lips and making faces.
Not-juicy blueberries
I mentioned the blueberries are sparse. When I do actually find one, they have a chewy-firm texture, like dried blueberries. Maybe just a bit more fibrous than I’d like. But not squashy or oozy. I would not describe them as “juicy,” despite what the label claims. These blueberries have added sugar, and there are “natural flavors” to boot.
If I was in charge of this cheese, I would add a little tartness to the dried berries — I think it would help the flavors pop more & taste fresher.
Festive wax coating
This is a lot of wax. It’s a festive blue color, and thicccc. It left a stubborn wax residue on my knife. I had to use Goo Gone to remove it. It is easy to peel the wax off the slices, tho.
Also, you should not eat it. No matter how bad the economy is. No matter how bleak your bank account. No matter how hungry you get. Don’t eat the wax. I’m watching you!
What did I do with my cheese?
I crumbled some of my Wensleydale & Blueberries over a fresh garden salad. I think this is best served with a bright, fruity vinaigrette dressing. The crumble moistness reminds me of feta cheese. But the flavor is dramatically different. Of course.
With the stunning blueberry contrast, I think this would be a conversation-worthy addition to a charcuterie board. Or an elegant pairing with wine when entertaining guests. Or you can be like me, and just stuff it in your lonely gullet. Because, cheese!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients from the label:
- Wensleydale Cheese (Pasteurized Cow’s Milk, Starter Cultures, Salt, Vegetarian Rennet)
- Dried Blueberries (Blueberries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil)
- Fructose
- Natural Flavoring
More information from the label:
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Product of the UK
- Do not eat wax
Nutrition Facts
A serving is 1 ounce and contains 110 calories. You get 8 grams of fat (5 grams saturated fat) and 6 grams of protein. There are 3 grams total carbohydrates, of which 0 grams are fiber and 3 grams are sugar (2 grams “added sugar”). You also get 7% each of your daily value of sodium and cholesterol, and 10% of your calcium.
Price and Servings
The 14.1 ounce wheel of Wensleydale cost $12.69 at my local Costco. Since there are 14 servings per package, each serving costs about 91 cents. This is a seasonal item at my store; I found it in stock in summer.
Shelf Life
This cheese has a short shelf life. The “use by” date on mine allowed approximately 3 months to consume, unopened.
After opening, the label says to eat within 7 days. Maybe the wholesale-sized Costco chunk isn’t the greatest way to buy this cheese! Fortunately, you can also find this in smaller lumps at Whole Foods.
Dramatic Conclusion
I love the moist texture of this cheese. But I can’t get past the bitter aftertaste. Or sparse berries. It’s lovely and unique, but not as delicious as I’d hoped.
The Awesome-o-Meter rates it “Maybe.” Not sure if I’d buy it a second time.
The End.
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