Gorgeous French butter, churned to perfection in traditional wooden barrels but on an epic scale. What could go wrong?
Founded in 1891, Echiré has been at the top of its game for over 100 years now. According to their website, their special oak barrels impart upon their butter a special flavour and texture that renders it world-renowned.
Their website is also a treasure trove of fun facts: Apparently it takes them 22 litres of milk to produce 1 kg of butter! No wonder the price points are what they are.
Echiré Beurre de Baratte d'Excellence Demi-Sel Butter Appreciation
Butter Break Down
Appreciation Date: January 8, 2021
Country of Origin: France
Point of Procurement: Secrets Fine Food
Purchase State: Fresh
Milk: Cow, pasteurised
Salt Content: 1.8%
Milk Fat Content: 80%
Ingredients: Pasteurised cream from cows' milk, salt 1.8%, lactic starters
Company Website: https://www.echirelebeurredefrance.fr
Butter Evaluation
In which we discuss Echiré's Beurre de Baratte Demi-Sel butter.
Well, this is the delightful salted counterpart to the unsalted version we reviewed. There is no visible difference between the salted and the unsalted version; both are beautifully matte and opaque with a pleasant, rich buttery yellow colour.
The texture of the butter, due to churning is quite stiff, even at room temperature. This is noticeable in the texture of the butter as it tears when bisected by a knife rather than stretches apart. You can almost see the crumbly nature of the butter which makes sense given it's churned for two and a half hours!
In terms of aroma, this one gives no hint of salt (as some others can do). Instead, there's nothing but clean, clear milk. It's very discrete despite being a cultured butter.
In the mouth, however, is when this butter really shines through. It is quite salty with a substantial mouthfeel that makes you sit up and take notice.
It's very salt-forward and very buttery with a texture that coats the mouth. It's very buttery on the palate but not clingy and it clears quickly, leaving you wanting more!
Final Rundown
So. In the end. What could go wrong? Absolutely nothing. Just about everything about this one is right! Great mouthfeel and powerful taste, only lacking a little in oomph aroma. Love it!
Colour: Solid matte yellow
Aroma: Faint fresh milk
Taste: Powerful salt and butter
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