Wisconsin · United States
Brick.
Brick strikes an intriguing balance between restraint and boldness—a semi-soft washed rind that opens mild and creamy, then unfolds into earthy, slightly funky notes with a whisper of barnyard funk and caramel sweetness. The paste is supple and yielding, releasing subtle savory depths that linger on the palate like a conversation between a gentle cheddar and a more assertive European cousin.
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Origin
44.4°N · 89.7°W
The story
How it's made.
Why it tastes that way.
Brick cheese was invented in 1877 by John Jossi, a Swiss-born cheesemaker in Wisconsin. It is considered a native American cheese style, bridging mild cheddar and pungent Limburger.
The name comes from either the brick shape or the clay bricks historically used to press the curd. Alongside Colby, it is one of the few cheese styles genuinely invented in Wisconsin.
Production · spec
- Milk
- Cow · pasteurised
- Family
- Washed-rind
- Rind
- natural
- Age
- 1–6 mo
- Intensity
- 3 / 5
- Texture
- semi-soft
Tasting profile
What it tastes like.
These bars are a visual read of Brick's flavour and aroma notes, scaled by the cheese's overall intensity — a quick guide, not a lab measurement.
Aroma
Nutrition · per 100 g serving
What's in a wedge.
A 100 g serving — about a finger-thick wedge. Daily values use the FDA 2020 reference of 2,000 kcal. Expect ±5% variation between wheels.
Serve, cut & store
Out of the fridge,
into its prime.
Guidance for washed-rind cheeses — general practice, not a per-wheel measurement.
Rest
Take it out about 1.5–2 h before serving — cold stiffens the fat and locks up the aromas; cool room temperature is when the flavour shows up.
Cut
Slice in wedges with the rind on — or for a very ripe wheel, take off the top and spoon.
Store
Wrap leftovers in cheese paper or wax paper — never cling film, which suffocates the rind — and keep them in the warmest part of the fridge.
Rule of thumb: the softer and riper, the longer it needs. Thick pieces need longer than thin — and don't leave cheese out much past two hours.
Pairings · Caseo curated
What goes with Brick.
46 pairings across 5 categories.
Wine
Beer & Cider
Where to find it
Cheese counters.
Counter listings for Brick are being verified. Check back soon.
Verified counter listings coming soon. Our team updates listings monthly.
Substitutes
No Brick at the counter?.
These will play a similar role on the board and in the pan.
Take it with you
Want to remember this one?.
Log it, pair it, and keep your own tasting notes — Caseo is free.
