As wild as its name suggests
La Bête à Séguin is a soft washed rind made by Fromagerie de l’Isle in Québec, Canada. Effectively, its name translates to Séguin’s Beast and it is fitting! Bold, wild and genuine, it is just like the artist whose name it bears, Marc Séguin.
Some 75 km outside of Québec City, this historic fromagerie lies on the small island of Île-aux-Grues. Actually, its location near the banks of the Saint Lawrence River has made it one of the most significant cheese makers in Canada.
Expertly matured
Furthermore, the cheesemakers have been using local milk since 1977 to hand-make some of the world’s best artisanal cheeses. Currently, their range includes Riopelle de l’Isle, Canotier de l’Isle and Tomme de Grosse-Île. More recently, they have added this wild washed rind, La-Bête-À-Séguin.
After collecting fresh milk from local farms, the cheesemaker adds culture and rennet to form the curd. Next, they pour the curd into the cheese moulds and mature the wheels for a minimum of 60 days. During this time, it develops a bloomy white rind and an intense wild yeasty aroma with barnyard notes.
When ripe, its texture is seductively oozy at room temperature and it has a velvety mouthfeel. Overall, its strong flavour is savoury and meaty.
How to pair La Bête à Séguin
Enjoy this robust soft cheese with a local fennel sausage and an aromatic Riesling.
