The Most Expensive 'Cheese Wheel' In The World Sells For ₹36 Lakhs

Cheese enthusiasts, prepare to be amazed. A single wheel of Spanish blue cheese has officially become the most expensive cheese ever sold, fetching a jaw-dropping sum that could buy you a brand-new Mini Cooper. Weighing 2.3 kilograms, this block of Cabrales cheese was auctioned in Asturias, Spain, for over ₹36 lakh, securing its place in the Guinness World Records.

What makes Cabrales cheese so unique?

Cabrales isn’t your everyday cheese from the supermarket. This intensely flavored blue cheese is crafted from raw cow’s milk, sometimes blended with goat or sheep milk, and originates in the Picos de Europa mountains of northern Spain. What truly sets this record-breaking batch apart is where and how it was aged.

Its aging process involves the inside of Los Mazos cave, located nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. The constant chill and steady humidity of this high-altitude cave create ideal conditions for the rich blue-green veins to develop, giving Cabrales its unmistakable boldness and creamy texture.

Crafted by tradition, honored by experts

The award-winning cheese was produced by the family-run Ángel Díaz Herrero cheese factory, a respected name that upholds age-old methods. The process involves mixing fresh raw milk by hand, wrapping it in natural cloth, and carrying it up the mountains to mature slowly over ten months. During this time, the cheese absorbs the character of the cave’s unique microflora, mineral-rich rocks, and cool mountain air, resulting in an extraordinary depth of flavor that simply can’t be replicated in industrial production.

The annual Cabrales cheese competition

Each year, the best cheesemakers in the region put their finest wheels to the test in the prestigious Cabrales cheese competition. A jury of expert tasters evaluates every entry for aroma, texture, and taste complexity. This particular batch triumphed over samples from 14 other producers before going to auction, where it stirred a frenzy among eager bidders from all over Spain.

In the end, the coveted wheel was purchased by Ivan Suarez, the owner of El Llagar de Colloto restaurant. This marks the fifth consecutive year Suarez has claimed the top bid, driven by a desire to honor Asturian culinary heritage rather than simply chasing headlines. For him, celebrating traditional artisanal foods is a point of pride and a way to support local cheesemakers.

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Health benefits and culinary appeal

Beyond its record-breaking price tag, Cabrales cheese is also valued for its nutritional qualities. Like other fermented cheeses, it can aid digestion, support gut health, and provide a rich source of calcium and protein when enjoyed in moderation. Its robust flavor makes it an unforgettable pairing with crusty bread, Spanish cider, or a glass of full-bodied red wine.