For centuries, cheese has been a beloved culinary treasure, adored for its diversity, craftsmanship, and ability to delight taste buds. But what makes certain cheeses worth hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars per pound? Is the high price tag justifiable, or are these luxurious varieties simply a case of prestige over practicality?

If you're a cheese lover, fine dining connoisseur, or someone with an eye for life's indulgences, this guide will uncover the secrets behind the world's most expensive cheeses, their creation, and how to enjoy them to their fullest. Whether you're curious about rare ingredients, limited production methods, or pairing tips for an indulgent evening, this post is for you.

The Top 5 Most Expensive Cheeses

When it comes to the pinnacle of fine cheeses, these five varieties stand out as the world’s crème de la crème.

1. Pule 

• Price: $1,000+ per pound 

• Origin: Serbia 

• Why it’s special: Made from the milk of Balkan donkeys, this cheese is the rarest in the world. Only about 100 donkeys are hand-milked to produce it, yielding just a few kilograms annually. Its delicate, tangy flavor is unmatched, and the process is labor-intensive beyond belief.

2. White Stilton Gold

• Price: $400+ per pound 

• Origin: England 

• Why it’s special: Infused with edible gold flakes and gold liqueur, this decadent variation of White Stilton cheese screams opulence. It pairs beautifully with champagne and sweet desserts.

3. Moose Cheese

• Price: $500+ per pound 

• Origin: Sweden 

• Why it’s special: Produced from the milk of moose on a single Swedish farm, only about 600 pounds are made each year. Moose milk has a high fat content, giving the cheese its rich, creamy consistency.

4. Cabrales

• Price: $130+ per pound 

• Origin: Spain 

• Why it’s special: Made in the limestone caves of Asturias, Cabrales is aged in a damp, cave environment, giving it a sharp, complex flavor profile. Its artisanal production is steeped in tradition and regional pride.

5. Rogue River Blue

• Price: $100+ per pound 

• Origin: United States 

• Why it’s special: This blue cheese from Oregon is wrapped in pear-brandy-soaked grape leaves, imparting a fruity, earthy richness. It was the first American cheese to win the prestigious World Cheese Award.

Now that we’ve introduced you to the stars of the cheese world, let's explore what makes them so extraordinary.

What Makes These Cheeses So Special? 

The astronomical prices of luxury cheeses don’t arise from marketing hype alone. Instead, these cheeses are the product of rare ingredients, traditional methods, and a sense of place that’s deeply tied to their quality.

Rare Ingredients 

Many ultra-expensive cheeses rely on rare or hard-to-source ingredients. For example, Pule cheese requires milk from Balkan donkeys, which produce minuscule amounts of milk daily. Similarly, Moose Cheese depends on milking moose, a delicate and risky task. 

“Focusing on heritage ingredients enhances flavor and pays homage to nature’s rarity," says Chef Isabella Rossi, a Michelin-starred chef who specializes in cheese gastronomy.

Labor-Intensive Production Methods 

Traditional methods, such as hand-milking or aging cheese in specific cave conditions, add a layer of craftsmanship and time to the process. With Cabrales cheese, for instance, the meticulous cave-aging process is a labor of love requiring constant monitoring.

Limited Production 

Some cheeses, such as Moose Cheese and Pule, are produced in tiny quantities annually, creating exclusivity. “It’s the food equivalent of owning a rare painting," notes Fromager Jean-Marc Villeneuve. “When every step of the supply chain is limited, from milk to aging, the price will reflect that scarcity."

Cultural Significance 

Many of these cheeses are deeply woven into the cultural or historical tapestry of their regions. Cabrales, for example, represents a proud Spanish tradition passed down through generations.

The Role of Terroir 

A cheese’s terroir (its local environment) affects its flavor, aroma, and texture in subtle, significant ways. Rogue River Blue, crafted in Oregon, boasts flavors uniquely tied to the Pacific Northwest, from the oak trees to the soil itself.

Sustainable and Ethical Practices 

Many producers of these cheeses, like Marky’s, emphasize sustainable sourcing. “Sustainability is key in safeguarding rare ingredients while protecting the environment," explains Mark Zaslavsky, founder of Marky’s Caviar and Gourmet Foods.

Pairing Expensive Cheeses with Wine & Accompaniments 

What’s the best way to enjoy these luxurious cheeses? Pairing them with the right wines and accompaniments can elevate their flavors to uncharted levels. 

Wine Pairing Tips 

• Pule: Complement its delicate tanginess with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling champagne. 

• White Stilton Gold: Sweet dessert wines, such as Sauternes, perfectly offset the cheese’s creamy richness. 

• Cabrales: Enjoy its potent flavors with a robust Rioja or Port. 

• Rogue River Blue: Pair with a fruity Oregon Pinot Noir or a dry sherry. 

Accompaniments 

• Fresh fruits like figs, pears, or apples. 

• Nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, for textural contrasts. 

• Drizzles of artisanal honey or fig jam. 

Where to Buy & How to Store Rare Cheeses 

Finding and preserving these rare cheeses takes effort, but the payoff is worth it when you’re savoring every bite. 

Where to Buy 

• Visit specialty retailers like Marky’s Caviar and Gourmet Foods, which provide a curated selection of rare cheeses. 

• Trusted local cheesemongers often stock luxury cheeses and can offer expert advice. 

Storage Tips 

• Wrap cheeses in wax paper or specialized cheese paper to allow them to breathe while maintaining moisture. 

• Store in the cheese drawer of your fridge—but never freeze luxury cheeses, as it degrades the texture. 

• Place stronger-smelling cheeses in sealed containers to prevent odors from permeating your fridge. 

Pule Cheese Crostini with Fig Jam & Crushed Hazelnuts

Want to impress guests at your next dinner party? Try this indulgent recipe that highlights the luxurious flavors of Pule cheese.

Ingredients 

• 4 oz. Pule cheese 

• Baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds 

• 3 tablespoons fig jam 

• 1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted and crushed 

• Olive oil for drizzling 

• Fresh thyme for garnish 

Instructions 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toast until golden, about 8–10 minutes. 

2. Spread a thin layer of fig jam on each crostini. 

3. Top with crumbled Pule cheese. 

4. Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts over the cheese, then garnish with fresh thyme. 

5. Serve immediately and watch your guests marvel at this delectable creation!

Are These Cheeses Worth the Investment? 

At the end of the day, luxury cheeses are about much more than just price. They embody centuries of tradition, rare ingredients, and artistry that can't be replicated. For food connoisseurs, indulging in these cheeses is as much about the experience as it is about the taste.

Whether you’re expanding your palate or enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime treat, high-end cheeses offer a story, a connection to culture, and a sensory delight that’s hard to surpass.

Eager to begin your gourmet adventure? Explore Marky's curated selection of artisanal cheeses online and elevate your culinary experiences today.