The best questions to ask your cheesemonger — how to get great recommendations, learn about cheese, and make the most of the cheese counter.
A good cheesemonger is a font of knowledge, and asking the right questions unlocks great recommendations and learning. Here's a guide to the best questions to ask your cheesemonger.
The Cheesemonger Is a Resource
The cheesemonger behind the counter is one of the best resources a cheese lover has — knowledgeable, passionate, and eager to help you find cheese you'll love and to share what they know. Asking good questions is the key to unlocking this expertise. Far from being intrusive, questions are welcome; cheesemongers love to talk cheese and guide customers. Knowing what to ask helps you get great recommendations, learn about cheese, and make the most of the counter. Here are the best questions to ask.
"What's at Its Best Right Now?"
One of the most valuable questions is what's at its peak today. Cheese is seasonal and individual wheels vary, and cheesemongers know which cheeses are eating particularly well right now — ripe, ready, and at their best. Asking "what's especially good at the moment?" or "what's ripe and ready to eat?" leads you to cheeses at their peak, often better than just grabbing a familiar name. This insider knowledge is exactly what the counter offers, and it's one of the smartest questions you can ask.
"Can I Taste It?"
Always ask to taste before buying something new. "Could I try a little of this?" is a normal, expected request at a cheese counter, and good cheesemongers encourage tasting. Tasting lets you discover what you like, compare options, and avoid buying something that doesn't suit you. Asking to taste unfamiliar or pricier cheeses is one of the great pleasures and smart moves at the counter. Don't be shy — tasting is part of the experience, and the question that ensures you buy cheese you'll actually enjoy.
"What Would You Recommend for...?"
Ask for recommendations tailored to your need. Tell the cheesemonger your purpose and preferences, and ask what they'd suggest: "What would you recommend for a cheese board for four?" "I like mild, creamy cheeses — what should I try?" "What pairs well with this wine?" "I want something to melt for fondue." The more you share (occasion, tastes, pairings, budget), the better their recommendation. Cheesemongers excel at matching cheeses to your needs, so asking for tailored advice gets you the perfect cheese for your purpose.
"Tell Me About This Cheese"
To learn and choose well, ask about the cheeses themselves. "Where is this from?" "What milk is it made from?" "How is it made and aged?" "What does it taste like?" "How should I store and serve it?" "What pairs well with it?" Cheesemongers love sharing a cheese's story, origin, and character. These questions deepen your knowledge, help you choose, and make the experience richer. Asking about a cheese's background and how to enjoy it turns a purchase into a learning opportunity and ensures you get the most from the cheese.
Building a Relationship
Beyond individual questions, the best thing is to build a relationship with your cheesemonger over time. Regulars who show interest and ask questions get great advice, tastes, tips, and a heads-up on special cheeses. Tell them what you've enjoyed, ask what's new, and let them guide your exploration. Over time, a good cheesemonger learns your tastes and becomes a trusted guide to cheese. Asking questions and engaging turns the cheese counter into a place of ongoing discovery, with the cheesemonger as your knowledgeable ally in the world of cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I ask a cheesemonger?
Ask what's at its best right now, whether you can taste, for recommendations tailored to your need (with your tastes, occasion, and pairings), and about the cheeses themselves (origin, milk, flavor, storage, pairings).
Can I ask to taste cheese at the counter?
Yes — "Could I try a little?" is a normal, expected, and encouraged request. Always taste unfamiliar or pricier cheeses before buying.
How do I get good recommendations from a cheesemonger?
Share your purpose, preferences, pairings, and budget, and ask what they'd recommend and what's at its peak. The more you tell them, the better their tailored advice.