Yep. Cornish Yarg. That's it's actual name. I prefer to draw out the "arrrrr!" when talking to my customers about it. Makes me feel a wee bit like a pirate. Plus, you know, "yarg" is just a fun word to say. Even if it's only "gray" spelled backwards. Clever since this cheese has it's characteristic dusty gray/green rind.
A cows milk cheese developed in Cornwall, England in the 1970's it's a nice riff on a semi firm cheese. The outside is wrapped and then subsequently aged in nettle leaves that grow wild in the Cornish countryside. The nettles definitely contribute to the wholly unique (I don't think I've ever had a cheese taste quite like "The Yarg") flavor profiles of the cheese. Its aroma being moderately strong, singing with moldering leaves (natch), and floral/fruit tones. The texture is springy with a bit of a wet, sponge-y feel that is not unpleasant.
However the flavor, oh the flavor, is like a bushel of overripe peaches and nectarines without the sweet burst onto the palate. With well balanced salt and a bit of nettle like bite to the finish this is certainly a new favorite to my ever growing list of knock-out cheeses.
