Tucked away in the northern edge of France, just a mile or two from the Belgian border, the quiet commune of Jenlain is home to Brasserie Duyck, the world’s most preeminent producer of beers in the Bière de Garde style. Characterized by rich malts and enticingly tart notes, Jenlain beers pair particularly well with soft, ripe cheeses, a fact that serves as the inspiration for this tour de force of fromage. Starting with a base of creamy, semisoft cheese, our supplier washes the rind with a generous amount of Jenlain beer, which imparts a light earthiness and faint caramel note throughout. They call it Délice de Jenlain: we call it an essential entry into the Spotlight Cheese series.

Just like the beer that gives it its name and distinctive flavor, Trader Joe’s Délice de Jenlain is delightfully rustic, elegantly delicious, and uniquely French. With its characteristically profound aroma, well-rounded texture and well-balanced flavor profile, marked by subtly sweet notes of malt and yeast, it makes a welcome addition to any cheese plate or charcuterie board, and an especially apt hors d’oeuvre for a cocktail party. Serve it over crackers, with sliced apples or pears, or melt it into a truly luxurious grilled cheese with sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions.