Did I miss this topic? Disappointed when I went into my local cheese emporium The Cheese Hamlet to find no Brie de Meaux for the holiday season. First I tried an inferior substitute. Then went for Brie d’Isigny which is very nice. Have now turned to Epoisses for the cheesy flowing holiday hit.
seems there’s a, now midstanding, import problem. https://gff.co.uk/articles/2025/08/delis-will-soon-face-gaps-due-to-import-ban-on-some-french-and-italian-cheeses/
Brie doesn't go well on Christmas cake anyway, so just get some decent Wensleydale
The bigger issue is why most supermarkets only stock Wensleydale adulterated with cranberries, the deli in town only had mini cheeses and they no longer produce Cotherstone which was a fine substitute.
Necessitated a dedicated bike ride to Redcar Morrisons as they seem to be the only supermarket that understands the need for unadulterated Wensleydale with Christmas cake.
All now well here.
PS also got 2 sorts of Stilton, Black Bomber and Montgomery Cheddar so no cheese crisis here for a few days.
When I was buying my eyewateringly expensive Vacherin Mont D'or the proprietor was saying they've really struggled to get soft French cheese this year .
Oh and Christmas cake only works with proper Wensleydale...
Epoisses is a significant step up from brie, what are you complaining about.