For The Love Of Port

Roy Hersh wrote:Excellent, thanks Glenn. Are all of the wheels of Serra about the same weight and what was the cost per pound?

The web site says that the Serra rounds are 1.2 lbs each, which at $40 for the round is $33.33 per pound. It's not cheap, but I'm hoping it's tasty!

Please report back. From the photo, that looks like a firmer version.

Eric,

I asked and was told, "spoon it on" from the importer. I want feedback too. If it is not right I will have it made so.

As to $33. for the pound, that is less than the $40/lb. that I've normally seen for the real deal in the USA in past years. I am not talking about the type you need to slice, either. Having the supply chain filled with the right stuff is the key point. I won't quibble over saving an extra $7/pound, but what I really care about is the consistency and texture of the cheese itself.

FedEx claims it is arriving today, so we'll know soon!

The cheese has arrived and looks like it's in perfect condition. I haven't sliced into it yet, but by feeling the round itself and giving it a gentle squeeze this is clearly a softer version of Serra da Estrela than what we received the last time we ordered from iGourmet. At the very least it is going to be closer to mozzarella than cheddar even if it isn't actually spoonable. It smells right, too.

I'll report back after the party tomorrow, but I have high hopes now!

Well I have good news and bad news...

The good news is that the cheese is significantly better than the last batch some of us ordered from iGourmet. This is good stuff, I'm happy with my order, and I'd probably order it again.

The bad news is that while the cheese is definitely softer than the last batch, it's nowhere near spoonable. It's approximately the texture of Havarti - soft, but still needs to be sliced for serving.

It's $45 a wheel in Fall River. Super soft and regularly available. Picking up one tomorrow. Anyone want cheese and port this Friday in Boston?