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Charleston Brie is a true artisan cheese. The unique flavour is attributed to the multiple white moulds used on its surface. These moulds ripen the cheese from the outside in, a process that takes around six weeks. Once ripe the cheese develops its distinct rich and complex farmyard, mushroom like flavour. The pate turns from firm and chalky when young to rich and oozing like custard when ripe. You can determine the level of ripeness by feeling the surface of the cheese; it should be soft from centre to edge when ripe. As it ages the Charleston also may develop some brownish spots on the outer surface. This is a natural part of its maturation. Should this occur you will notice that the flavours will intensify and become more distinctive.

Charleston is perfectly suited for use on a cheese plate, accompanied by some crusty bread and good quality seasonal fruit (has to be served at room temperature).