Priest XO Cheese is a premium extended-aging expression of Sweden’s traditional Prästost, the “priest cheese” whose origins lie in tithes paid to parish clergy in milk. The XO designation signals wheels selected for the longest maturation.

Flavor Profile

Extended aging concentrates everything. The texture becomes firm, dense, and slightly granular, often carrying crystalline deposits that crunch between the teeth. The flavor is deeply savory and complex, with sharp tang, pronounced nuttiness, and a long finish carrying notes of browned butter and dried fruit. It is considerably more intense than standard Prästost.

How to Serve

Serve at room temperature, broken into rough pieces rather than sliced thin, so the crystalline texture registers. This is a cheese for slow appreciation on a board rather than for cooking, where its nuance would be lost. Present it with simple accompaniments that let it lead.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair with an aged aquavit, a Port, or a full-bodied red. Serve with dried fruit, walnuts, dark honey, and plain crispbread.

Storage

Wrap in wax paper and refrigerate. Low moisture makes this very stable; it keeps for a month or more when properly wrapped.