Pavé d’Affinois
This delightful little offering was brought to our Sunday night cheesefest by Olympia’s cousin, Annabel on a recent visit.
It came in a little cardboard box, which had managed to adhere itself to the rind. As a result, the rind tore on opening, spilling it’s gooeyness on to the plate. It did, however, make for a good photo opportunity. 
Pave d'Affinois
The name caused us a lttle confusion. Pavé is often used to descibe square slabs of French cheese, from French word for cobble or paving stone. However, there is no place called Affinois. We finally came to the conclusion that affinois is a word made up by the manufacturers to reflect its refined (affiner) ultrafiltration process.
It has pale ivory rind dusted with a bloomy white mould which smells mildy of ammonia and cow shed. The paste is gooey, almost liquid with scents of honey.
The texture is extremely decadent and the flavour very mild and a bit non-descript. However, when taken with wine, it releases the wonderful taste of honey.
Not tremendously exciting. It is labeled as “brie like”, and would make a more interesting replacement on the cheese board.
Purchased from Marks & Spencer.
Reviewed by Nick & Olympia (with guest reviewer Annabel).
(2.5/5)