Best English Cow's Milk Cheese Types
This is not your regular Cheddar made across the world, but a unique one because of its maturity, distinctive full flavor, the source of milk and special methods of handmade production within the four Counties of Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
It needs to mature for at least 9 months before it is sold, either in cylindrical shape or in blocks of variable sizes. Its flavor can be described as full, sharp and nutty, and it is firm and creamy yellow on the inside, with a crumbly texture. West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is best paired with grapes, pears, apples, figs, celery or ripe tomatoes.
This sharp cow's milk cheese is one of the most popular cheeses in the world today, and it was first produced in the village of Cheddar in Somerset county, England in the 12th century. Cheddar is a hard cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk, and it ranges from white to pale yellow in color.
When young, its texture is smooth, and when it is left to mature, the texture becomes more crumbly and it gets a sharper flavor. Joseph Harding—a cheesemaker often referred to as the "father of Cheddar"—said that the authentic Somerset Cheddar should have a close texture, a full, fine flavor reminiscent of hazelnuts, and a melt-in-the-mouth quality.
Pair with
VARIATIONS OF Cheddar
THE BEST Cheddar Cheeses


Cabot Creamery
Cabot Jalapeno 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place 2013, 2012, 2009
Lincolnshire poacher is an English hard cheese made with raw milk from Holstein cows. This cylindrical cheese is usually matured for 14 to 16 months. Its texture is open and smooth, while the flavors are strong, rich, fruity, sweet, and nutty.
It is recommended to pair it with beer or full-bodied reds and whites.
Shropshire Blue is a British blue cheese produced in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and is best described as a cross between Cheshire and Stilton. Shropshire Blue ages from 10 to 12 weeks and develops a natural rind that hides a creamy and smooth texture of the carrot-colored body with blue veining throughout.
The orange color comes from annatto. The aromas are strong and rich, while the flavors are intense, sharp, tangy, creamy, and full. It's recommended to pair it with a glass of Pinot Noir or Riesling.
Pair with
THE BEST Shropshire Blue Cheeses


Colston Bassett & District Dairy
Colston Bassett Shropshire Blue
International Cheese Awards - Gold 2024
Blue Wensleydale is an English cheese hailing from the town of Hawes. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and it was invented in the late 19th century by Thomas Nuttall. Underneath its cloth-wrapped rind, the texture is dense and hard, with blue veining dispersed throughout the paste.
The aromas are rich, while the flavors are mellow, creamy, acidic, and salty, with savory and slightly sharp notes. The cheese is usually left to mature for 6 months before consumption. It's recommended to pair it with light red wines and use it in pear and walnut salad or serve it with prosciutto.
Applewood is an English cheese originating from Ilchester in Somerset, where it was first produced in 1965. Made from cow's milk, this cheddar cheese has a semi-hard, dense texture and a natural rind. It is also known as Applewood Smoked Cheddar – however, it is not smoked, but artificially flavored with smoke and dusted with paprika, giving it a golden-amber visual appearance on the exterior.
Its flavor is spicy and smoky. It is recommended to grate Applewood over pasta and baked potatoes, but it can also be served with raisins and apples for those with a sweet tooth.
Double Gloucester is an English cheese produced in Gloucestershire, hence the name. The cheese is made with full fat cow's milk using the cream from one night's milking and also the following day's milking – hence the word double in its name, but Double Gloucester is twice the height of Single Gloucester, so that might also be a reason for the word double in the name of this cheese.
Its texture is smooth and buttery when young, but as it ages (for at least four months) the texture and the rind become very hard, which is the reason why Double Gloucester is used in the popular Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling event. The flavors of this cheese are nutty, creamy, citrusy, rich, and buttery.
THE BEST Double Gloucester Cheeses


Oxford Blue is an English blue cheese produced in Buckinghamshire. The cheese is made with cow's milk, and its texture is semi-soft and creamy. The flavors are spicy, salty, sharp, and tangy, while the aromas are strong. Oxford Blue was first produced at the Oxford Cheese Company in 1994 by Baron Robert Pouget and Steve Peace.
It is recommended to serve this cheese with a glass of white wine on the side.
Devon Blue is a semi-hard artisan cheese made from raw milk of Ayrshire cows. It is produced by Ben Harris and Robin Condgen of Ticklemore Cheese. In order for the blue mold to develop, Devon Blue needs to mature for 6 to 8 months.
The cheese has a dense, crumbly, and firm texture; the aromas are earthy, while the flavor is spicy, smooth, and buttery. It is recommended to pair Devon Blue with a glass of cider.
Derby is an English cheese hailing from Derbyshire. This semi-hard cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk. It has a waxed rind that hides a creamy, smooth, firm, and open texture of the interior. The aroma is mild and the flavors are sweet, mild, and buttery.
Derby melts exceptionally well and it has been produced since the 16th century, making it one of England's oldest and most popular cheeses – there are also versions with port wine or sage. It's recommended to pair it with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc.
Pair with
VARIATIONS OF Derby
Best English Cow's Milk Cheese Producers
Neal's Yard Dairy is a renowned British cheese shop and maturing facility dedicated to showcasing and nurturing the best of British and Irish cheeses. Established in 1979, the company is celebrated for its commitment to quality, working closely with small-scale producers to select, mature, and sell exceptional cheeses.
Their focus is on traditional, raw milk cheeses, which are aged in their own maturing rooms to ensure the best flavor development. Neal's Yard Dairy is not only passionate about curating a diverse range of artisanal cheeses but also about preserving and promoting the craftsmanship of British cheesemakers.
BEST Neal's Yard Dairy Cheeses
Westcombe Dairy is a traditional family-run dairy located in the heart of Somerset, England. Situated on Lower Westcombe Farm in Evercreech, the dairy has been crafting artisanal cheeses for over 100 years. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and traditional production methods has made them one of the most respected producers in the region.
Westcombe Dairy is deeply rooted in the rich tradition of cheese production in Somerset, particularly renowned for producing Cheddar cheese. The dairy uses raw milk from its own herd of cows, which graze on lush pastures in the surrounding area. This high-quality milk serves as the foundation for their cheeses, which are made using traditional methods passed down through generations.
Village Maid Cheese, based in Riseley, England, was established by Anne Wigmore in 1986 after a decade of experience at the National Institute for Research in Dairying. The company is renowned for its artisanal cheeses, including the award-winning Wigmore, Waterloo, and Spenwood, which are all produced using traditional methods and milk from local farms committed to sustainability and animal welfare.
The cheese production at Village Maid emphasizes minimal changes to traditional methods over the years, focusing on handmade processes and environmental sustainability. For instance, they innovated by replacing disposable cheese cloths with a more sustainable alternative to reduce waste.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
BEST Village Maid Cheese Cheeses
Belton Farm is a British cheese producer. The farm has been producing cheese since the 1920s, leveraging traditional methods to craft its products. They specialize in making British territorial cheeses, including Cheshire, Red Leicester, and Double Gloucester.
Belton Farm has won numerous awards for their cheeses, indicating a high standard of quality in their production processes.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018
BEST Belton Farm Cheeses
Wyke Farms is a family-owned company specializing in the production of high-quality cheeses, most famously known for its traditional English Cheddar. The company was founded in 1861 in the southwest of England. It has always been owned by the same family, which has preserved traditional methods of production while also introducing innovations to maintain high standards of quality.
Wyke Farms is renowned for making premium cheeses, especially its famous English Cheddar, which is recognized worldwide. Their cheeses are known for their rich flavor, creamy texture, and traditional production methods. Wyke Farms is best known for its Cheddar, made from milk sourced from local farms in Somerset.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019

Global Cheese Awards - Champion
2021
BEST Wyke Farms Cheeses
Bath Soft Cheese is a family-run farm located near Bath, England, specializing in organic, artisan cheeses. They utilize traditional methods and their own cow's milk for production. Among their well-known products is the Bath Soft Cheese, which is creamy and has a characteristic white bloomy rind.
The company has received several awards for their cheeses, including accolades at the World Cheese Awards.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2021

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
BEST Bath Soft Cheese Cheeses
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2022

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2019, 2018
BEST Sharpham Dairy Cheeses
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019
BEST Bradburys Cheese Cheeses
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
BEST St. Jude Cheese Cheeses
Best English Cow's Milk Cheeses
Yorkshire Wensleydale from Wensleydale Creamery is a traditional, award-winning cheese with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Originating from the picturesque Wensleydale region in North Yorkshire, England, it is known for its mild texture and slightly sweet flavor.
Made from cow’s milk, it features a delicate, creamy character with a subtle tangy note that perfectly balances its natural creaminess. This cheese is carefully crafted using traditional methods, with a special focus on quality and consistency. Yorkshire Wensleydale pairs wonderfully with fruity wines, port, or cider, making it a versatile choice for any cheese board.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2021, 2019

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019
Hollis Mead Organic Truffled Benville is an artisanal organic cheese produced by Hollis Mead Organic Dairy. This dairy is known for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and its dedication to producing high-quality organic products. The Truffled Benville cheese incorporates the rich, earthy flavor of truffles, offering a gourmet experience for cheese aficionados.
Each cheese is crafted with milk sourced from the dairy's own organically raised cows, ensuring a product free from synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The cheese's creamy texture and complex flavor make it a standout addition to any cheese board or gourmet recipe.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
Stichelton is an artisan blue cheese produced by Stichelton Dairy, located in Cuckney, England. It's crafted using traditional methods and unpasteurized cow's milk sourced from a local herd. Stichelton cheese revives the original recipe of Stilton cheese, which traditionally was made using raw milk.
The cheese is noted for its rich, creamy texture and complex flavors, which include a blend of nuttiness, spice, and a hint of blue mold. Each cheese is aged for several months to develop its distinctive character and creamy blue veins. Stichelton provides a robust option for connoisseurs looking for a cheese that represents traditional English cheesemaking.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
Devon Blue is a variety of English blue cheese that is produced by Ticklemore Cheese in Devon, United Kingdom. This cheese is noted for its firm texture and moist, crumbly body, striking a balance between creaminess and a mild, gently tangy blue flavor.
Made with pasteurized cow's milk sourced locally, Devon Blue typically matures for a period of approximately 6 to 8 months. During this time, it develops a natural rind and a dense, evenly veined interior. The cheese is suitable for vegetarians, as it is made using vegetable rennet.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022
Wensleydale Block is produced by Belton Farm. This traditional British cheese is celebrated for its crumbly texture and slightly sweet, milky flavor with a hint of honey. Made using high-quality cow's milk, the cheese has a fresh, clean taste and is often enjoyed as part of a cheese board, in sandwiches, or as an ingredient in cooking.
The 20kg block format is particularly suited for commercial use in restaurants and catering businesses, providing a substantial quantity for large-scale culinary needs.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
Hard 18month gouda style cheese, cows milk, past, veg is a specific cheese product made by Lyburn Farmhouse Cheesemakers. This cheese is made from cow's milk and aged for 18 months, giving it a distinct, robust flavor typical of Gouda-style cheeses.
The term "past" likely refers to pasteurization, indicating the milk used has been pasteurized. The inclusion of "veg" suggests that it contains vegetarian rennet, making it suitable for vegetarians.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2022
Caerphilly Block by Belton Farm is a carefully crafted type of cheese originating from the United Kingdom. Known for its distinctive, crumbly texture and slightly tangy flavor, it is a product of meticulous cheese-making traditions. This cheese has a pale color and a firm yet creamy texture, ideal for both cooking and direct consumption.
Caerphilly is typically aged for a few months to develop its characteristic taste, which includes notes of earthy and fresh dairy undertones. Belton Farm, a renowned cheese producer, ensures that each block of Caerphilly adheres to high standards of quality and flavor.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2019
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024
Montgomery's Cheddar is a distinguished British cheddar made using traditional techniques at Manor Farm in North Cadbury, Somerset. Aged for 24 months, it develops rich, brothy, and savoury flavors with a dry, almost crystalline texture that melts in the mouth.
The cheese is made with raw cow’s milk and clothbound with lard, which contributes to its characteristic texture and depth of flavor. The cheddaring process, where curds are hand-cut, stacked, and turned to drain whey, is a meticulous, time-consuming method still used by Montgomery's.
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