Tillamook Smoked Black Pepper White Cheddar - A Long Overdo Cheese Review

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As you've probably noticed, I haven't been posting many food blogs as I used to.  I'll be honest, I haven't been able to hit my epicurean stride since the pandemic began.  The more I think about it though, the more that excuse seems like bull-pucky.  If we learn anything from this health crisis, other than "science is real," it's that we need to do what we do for as long as we can do it.  With this in mind, I thought I'd dive back in by going back to my roots by writing a cheese review.   

| Subject: Tillamook Smoked Black Pepper White Cheddar |
| Date: 08/29/2021 | Photographers: Shelby Hester & James Kiester |
| Permissions: Photo taken for this blog |

Typically, when I  think of Tillamook Cheese I think grade school kids touring the factory of  Oregon's largest cheesemaker.  In my neck of the woods, the brand is best known for mass producing a solid quality everyday Cheddar, much like Kraft and Sargento.   It's relatively inexpensive, so it's always in the fridge waiting to be part of a bologna sandwich. 

I was shopping at Whole Foods, via Amazon.com, when Tillamook Smoked Black Pepper White Cheddar caught my eye.  I was intrigued by the thought of Tillamook Cheese entering the gourmet cheese arena, so I purchased a 7 ounce block for $7.49 ($1.07 per ounce - $17.02 per pound).

To clarify this isn't smoked Cheddar.  Peppercorns have been hickory smoked and added to mild white Cheddar.  I will says, they nailed the balance of flavors.  The use of mild Cheddar allowed the smoky spice of the peppercorns to take center stage.  I tasted the flavor of the pepper first, then was treated to smoky hickory finish.  A very mellow, but pleasant, Cheddar taste served as a omnipresent background flavor.

While I enjoyed the flavor, the cheese's moist spongy texture was a disappointment.  Such a mouth-feel is fine for Junior's sandwich, but a good serious Cheddar should have a much dryer texture, leaning toward, but not quite reaching, crumbly.

Did I like Tillamook Smoked Black Pepper White Cheddar?  Yes, it was tasty.  Did I love Tillamook Smoked Black Pepper White Cheddar?  No, it's moisture content prevents from being added to my list of favorites.  I'd give Tillamook Smoked Black Pepper White Cheddar 7 out of 10 stars.