(From my book The New Cocktail Hour)
Tips for the Comté Cheese Tasting Board
- Try to find several hunks of Comté at different ages.
- Enhance fruity flavors in young Comté with dried fruit, such as dried orange peels, apricots, and dried cranberries. You can also add a dish of honey.
- Play off the nutty notes in aged Comté with plain or candied nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts.
- Underscore the taste of brown butter and brioche often found in Comté with something baked, such as fruited bread.
- Serve cheeses at room temperature. As you taste, notice the aroma of each cheese, along with its texture. As cheeses age, their flavor notes deepen and they become denser in texture.
- Enjoy sips of the cocktail between bites!