We admit we put off trying Mt. Vesuvius Black Ash because it seemed a little strange — a cheese covered in black ash? And indeed, it looks a little odd…
We half-expected the cheese to be a little gritty, or to have a smoky or charcoal flavor. However, the black ash is so fine that it barely registers, and it has no flavor at all.
The only flavor that comes through in this delicious cheese is the gouda-like flavor of the cheese itself, which is very smooth and creamy. It’s a little firmer than Miyoko’s double-cream cheeses but still highly spreadable.
I highly recommend this one, as it’s so unique and fun. And vegans who miss gouda will especially love it.