United Kingdom Cheeses

Comprising of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, much of the land is extremely fertile pastureland and is said to be home to five times as many cattle as humans. Cheesemaking is a daily routine of the British culture.

"Watching cows munching their way through the grasses of an English pasture, one can see why our British cheeses have a reputation for their sweet, creamy, rich, and complex scents and flavours. The characteristic sea spray freshness of Cheshire can only be obtained from the rich deposts lying just below the surface of the pastures while the distinct herby, slightly metallic blue taste of Stilton must surely be influenced by the mineral rich seams of coal and iron running through the rolling fields of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire."

Julie Harbutt,
The Specialist Cheesemakers' Association
Guide to the Finest Cheeses of Britain and Ireland

England

Colston Bassett Stilton - This is the creamiest, tastiest Stilton you'll find. Unlike most other Stiltons, the flavor is strong and lingers on your tongue without being sharp or overpowering. Even the rind of this Stilton is moist, and the inside of the cheese is creamy throughout.

Huntsman - You will love the layers of flavor in this British cheese. Farmhouse Gloucester is layered with blue-veined Stilton for a rich combination. Pair with a Pinot Noir or Port wine.

Kirkham's Lancashire - This Lancashire, with its buttered cloth rind, has a lemony and yogurty flavor and moist, rich texture that is best described by locals as a buttery crumble.

Keens Cheddar - Made by one of only three remaining producers making traditional farmstead Cheddar with unpasteurized cow's milk in the English county of Somerset. This classic English Cheddar has a creamy, tangy flavor and a rich, satisfying texture.

Shropshire Blue - Originally from Scotland and marketed in England, this cheese is now produced only by several creameries in Shropshire, England. It is very similar to Stilton, with its brown natural rind, but is a much sharper blue cheese, and colored with annatto to give it a bright orange hue.

Westcombe Cheddar - Raw cow's milk Cheddar cheese from England. This award-winning cheese is cheddared by hand, and made with the milk produced by the cheesemakers' own cows. Aged a minimum of 11 months.

Westcombe Red - This lovely red cheese from the Calver family of Somerset, England is made with raw cow’s milk and dyed with all-natural annatto. Similar to Lancashire, it has a pleasant, medium-sharp flavor, and looks beautiful on a cheese plate.

Ireland

Irish Cheddar - A nice contrast of earthy and milky flavors. Serve it with a Stout or Côtes du Rhône wine.

Wales

Black Mountain - Black Mountain is a combination of garlic, herbs, and wine blended with creamy Cheddar, which makes this a potent, assertive cheese. Try melted on baked potatoes, stuffed in chicken, or on its own with crusty bread and washed down with a pint of ale.

Harlech - Harlech is a zesty, smooth cheese named after Harlech Castle in Northern Wales. Harlech is a mature Cheddar blended with horseradish and parsley. This vegetarian cheese is perfect as a table cheese to add a contrast to any cheese course.

Red Dragon - This smooth, firm, tasty Cheddar is made with Welsh brown ale and mustard seeds. Red Dragon is a buttery and spicy cheese with plenty of bite, but is not too hot. Not only do the mustard seeds give Red Dragon its marvelous flavor, but also its texture. Serve as a table cheese or melted on toast with dark ale; or try a Shiraz, if you prefer wine.