Blue cheese (generally speaking)

American, here. Years ago I ordered a salad at popular chain restaurant in Times Square, Manhattan. It was topped with Blue Cheese crumbles.

I hated it, tasted (to me) of chemicals, household cleaner chemicals. It was awful.

My question is, was this a fluke? Are blue cheeses and similar styles funky in a chemical-tasting way, or should I try something maybe artisanal or DOP or AOC?

Total newb, here, only recently discovered Brie so be gentle!