We named Matahari Sake Washed Cheese™ for its radiant orange rind, which shines like the sun. Inspired by Trappist-style traditions, this cheese continues a legacy that monks first developed centuries ago. Trappist cheeses typically combine a pungent washed rind with a mild, creamy interior, and Matahari proudly follows this path.
Matahari is a unique washed-rind cheese with a bold character, reminiscent in aroma and flavor of Époisses or Maroilles. Its distinctive scent—often described as earthy, animalic, leathery, or even sulfurous—is part of its charm. While many cheese lovers adore this style, others may find it intense or challenging. If you’re new to strong, smear-ripened cheeses, we recommend trying Meunster and then easing into Matahari.
Crafting the Cheese
Our team in Bali uses whole cow’s milk and fresh cream to create Matahari’s buttery, spreadable texture. During several weeks of affinage, we wash each wheel repeatedly with premium Japanese sake. This active process encourages beneficial cultures to thrive, producing the cheese’s signature rind and complex flavor. Because the sake ferments into vinegar on the rind, the finished cheese contains no residual alcohol.
Bold Character and Comparisons
Matahari cheese challenges beginners. Its strong aroma recalls Reblochon and Époisses de Bourgogne — the latter famously known as the “King of Cheese” and so pungent that French railways once banned it. In Indonesia, people often compare Matahari to durian. Like durian, this cheese divides opinion: some adore its intensity, while others shy away.
Flavor and Pairings
The flavor of Matahari Sake Washed Cheese is rich, savory, and slightly tangy. Its creamy mouthfeel spreads easily on bread or crackers. For balance, pair it with sourdough, roasted nuts, or tropical fruits. It also complements full-bodied wines, craft beers, and even sake itself, creating a harmonious tasting experience.
Heritage and Production
Since 2017, Pasti Enak® has produced Matahari Cheese™ in Bali, Indonesia. Each wheel weighs a minimum of 280 grams, making it perfect for sharing or savoring slowly at home. More than just a cheese, Matahari represents a sensory journey, a bold statement, and a celebration of fermentation for those who appreciate washed rind cheeses.
