According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the ultra-pricey selection dethroned a different block of Cabrales that had previously held the record. That one, sold in 2019, cost around $22,000, or about $10,000 less than the recent sale. Interestingly, both were purchased by the same buyer, restaurant owner Iván Suárez. “It’s my passion for the land and my appreciation for the hard work of these cheesemakers that fuels my bids,” he explained (via The Olive Press).
Those looking to spend big bucks on cheese certainly aren’t limited to Cabrales. While typical Cabrales sells for around $40 per pound, the uber-rare pule may be the most expensive cheese in the world by weight. Due to its rarity, the Balkan donkey milk cheese (which reportedly tastes similar to manchego) sells for between $600 and $1,000 per pound. Even expensive grilled cheeses can break the bank, like the one served by New York City restaurant Serendipity 3. For $214, diners can enjoy melted caciocavallo podolico cheese on bread baked with Dom Perignon champagne and slathered with white truffle butter and edible gold flakes. While these all may be out of reach for most everyday cheese lovers, there’s no doubt true connoisseurs with a healthy bank account have plenty of great options, including the record-setting Cabrales.