My husband came home with the cheese and I must admit, at first was a little put off by the ash. I reluctantly tried it and to my amazement it tasted delicious. If I got a larger piece of the ash part it was a little disturbing (maybe just a mental thing though) so you have to eat it so the ash is evenly spread out-of course the ends will have more ash. It’s creamy and mild and a real surprise and I will have again for sure.