Normandy · France
Livarot.
Livarot hits with an assertive barnyard funk and peppery bite that demands attention—this is a washed-rind cheese that doesn't whisper. Beneath the pungent exterior lies a semi-soft paste with meaty, earthy depths and a savory spice that builds on the palate. It's the kind of cheese that fills a room with its presence, yielding and sticky when properly warmed, rewarding bold eaters with complex, umami-driven flavor.
Origin
49.1°N · 0.3°E
The story
How it's made.
Why it tastes that way.
Livarot has been produced in the Pays d'Auge region of Normandy since at least the 17th century.
It was historically an important protein source for farm workers and earned its nickname 'the Colonel' from the five strips of sedge grass (or paper) wrapped around it, resembling military insignia. It received AOC protection in 1975.
Production · spec
- Milk
- Cow · raw
- Family
- Washed-rind
- Rind
- washed
- Age
- 1–3 mo
- Protected
- AOP · since 1996
- Intensity
- 4 / 5
- Texture
- semi-soft
Tasting profile
What it tastes like.
These bars are a visual read of Livarot'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 Livarot.
42 pairings across 7 categories.
Wine
Beer & Cider
Where to find it
Cheese counters.
Counter listings for Livarot are being verified. Check back soon.
Verified counter listings coming soon. Our team updates listings monthly.
Substitutes
No Livarot 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.
