Affineur

The Affineur (Maitre fromager affineur – cheese caretaker or refiner) is responsible for perfecting the cheese, refining it and tending to it until it reaches the desired degree of maturity. Depending on the variety, they brush, tap, wash and turn the cheeses until, in the ideal climate, they have developed their typical aroma and reached the desired degree of maturity. To become a good Affineur, one must not only have a feel for cheese and its stages of maturation but also learn the craft over many years.
For certain cheeses with natural rinds, the wheels are turned, coated, and brushed two to three times a week and further refined with special (herbal herbs) blends.