Dairy scientists have known for centuries that cheese reaches the peak of its powers in a cool, dark place, because tying it to a burning stake or dousing it with water until it floats has always spoiled its potency. Taste the spellbinding flavors of a properly aged cheese with today's Groupon: for $7, you get $15 worth of gourmet cheese, sandwiches, and deli extras at The Cheese Store, a New York Times–featured artisan cheesery located one block from the 9th Street stop of the Light Rail in Hoboken.

The Cheese Store's on-site cheese aging facility allows its artisan, farmhouse, and imported cheeses to reach their flavor-packed peak ripeness. The Cheese Store stocks more than 10 cow and sheep varieties of blue cheeses, and its bloomy rind cheeses have no chemical stabilizers and melt on the tongue like buttery, rich snowflakes. Grate a pile of salty Pecorino Romano ($12.99/lb.) atop your favorite pasta to pique its flavor, or spread creamy Humboldt Fog goat cheese ($22.99/lb) on a toasted baguette. Stinky washed rind cheeses, such as the savory Morbier ($15.99/lb.), are often used by grizzly bears and as a delicate perfume.

Deceptively simple but honestly delicious daily sandwich specials, such as a roast beef sandwich combined with cave-aged swiss and fire-roasted peppers ($7.49), are served on Balthazar bread. Deli and pantry extras, such as cured meats, olives, and baguettes, work wonders at wine tastings. The Cheese Store's friendly staff can tell you which cuddlesome curdles go with any fermented grape, and they can help guess your favorites flavors and which rindy gourmet cheeses make the best gourmet rollyskate wheels.

Reviews

Since opening in 2007, The Cheese Store has garnered much local press. The store's press includes features by the New York Times and the Hudson Reporter. Eight Yelpers each give The Cheese Store five stars.

• AMAZING cheese selection, not to mention their selection of condiments and other things to pair with cheese. However, I will always come here for the sandwiches. They are the best in the area, hands down. – Allison M., Yelp
• honestly, if i weren't married already, i'd probably marry the owner of this shop. I love all of the cheeses and all of his recommendations are so on-par. – Thu V., Yelp
• The owners and staff can always answer all of your questions, the quality is wonderful and the prices are excellent! – alana c., Yelp