A relatively recent invention, P'tit Basque was created in 1997 by Lactalis, the very large French dairy company. Exports of P'tit Basque now total about 400,000lbs. each year. A staggering achievement.

Made from pasteurized sheep's milk, P'tit Basque comes in a small drum shape with a basket weave design imprinted on the rind, which is then coated in a light, food grade plastic coating to prevent moisture loss and to inhibit mold growth.

The interior of the cheese is soft, pliable, slightly moist and smooth, a perfect texture to enhance the rich, sweet flavors of the sheep's milk. These are factors that make this cheese particularly accessible and appealing.

There are also distinct notes of butterscotch, caramel and grass, with a hint of salt. The paste is a pale straw color.