In a collaborative, small-batch effort, the folks at Kenny Mattingly's farmstead cheese and the gang at Heine Bros. Coffee have produced a small amount of Block o' Joe, a distinctive Kentucky Cheddar veined with, and subtly flavored by, Heine's coffee.
As Kenny's rep Van Campbell put it, "Fresh raw-milk cheddar curds are soaked in brewed coffee, pressed, and then aged for 2-3 months letting the aroma and distinct flavor of the coffee penetrate the cheese."
I got a sample and was really happy with the flavor ... the presence of creamy, tangy Cheddar is certainly there, while the coffee adds something elusive and delicious. Like coffee with cream? Not exactly. It looks a bit like that Irish cheese veined with stout, sort of a marble look with thin dark veins of coffee surrounding the small curds that solidified into the cheese block. Basically, you've just got to try it! I'm pretty sure it would made a great grilled cheese sandwich ... paired with a cup of Heine's coffee?
Block o' Joe is available in small quantities at all Heine Bros. Coffee locations, starting today, at $5 for an 8-ounce block. Get it while it lasts!