September 1, 2021
Cheese Wisdom: Keen’s Cheddar
Sharp, full-bodied, dense, complex
THE CHEESE Keen’s Cheddar from Neal’s Yard Dairy, Wincanton, Somerset, England
Available at Whole Foods SouthPark, $20.99/lb.
THE STYLE Traditional farmhouse cheddar, made by hand from cow’s milk. Aged 16-18 months
FLAVOR PROFILE Almonds, grass, mustard, cream, butterscotch, tangy
HOW TO ENJOY Serve with Chutney; grate onto roasted mushrooms or serve with apple slices
WINE PAIRING Port, Pinot Noir, dry Chardonnay, Pale Ale.
EXTRA READING The Keen family has been making cheese at Moorhayes Farm for four generations. They are one of only four remaining Midlands cheesemakers who still make their rounds by hand, using pint starter cultures (like yogurt starters). They wrap the rounds in cheesecloth and age them for 16-18 months.
