Shop, factory tour, tastings:
A J & R G Barber Ltd, Smith's Ln, Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, EnglandBuy online directly from the producer:
www.barbers.co.uk/collections/allExperimental phase: initial rating derived from official awards and critic reviews
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2019
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
Barber's Vintage Farmhouse Cheddar produces Vintage Cheddar, which is well-known for being one of the oldest cheddar cheese makers in the world, originating in Somerset, England. Their Vintage Cheddar is typically aged for up to 24 months and is celebrated for its rich, complex flavor profile.
This cheese features a distinctively sharp taste with a creamy yet crumbly texture. Barber's unique use of traditional starter cultures, which have been maintained and propagated since the 1950s, contribute to the depth and intensity of the flavor.
Barber's is a distinguished British cheesemaker with over 190 years of history. Founded in 1833 by Daniel Barber, the company has remained family-owned and is based in Somerset, a region known for its rich agricultural tradition. Today, Barber's continues to be a leader in the production of premium cheddar cheeses.
Barber's prides itself on maintaining traditional methods of cheesemaking. The process begins with the highest quality milk sourced from over 100 local farming families who follow strict standards for animal care and milk production. The milk is then processed in the cheese dairy using age-old techniques passed down through generations.
Their selection of cheddars is known for their distinct flavor profiles, which are a result of the aging process and the terroir of the region, meaning the unique conditions of the Somerset soil and climate contribute to the cheese's taste. Apart from cheddar, Barber's also produces other cheeses and dairy products and offers a variety of cheese-related snacks.