What Makes English Cheddar So Special?

English cheddar cheese can trace its roots back to the village of Cheddar in Somerset as far back as the 12th century. Back then, cheese was made from raw cow’s milk using traditional methods, and the art of cheddar-making became a regional treasure across south-west England. Over time, cheesemakers in places like Somerset and Devon perfected their craft, developing cheddars with distinct flavours and textures.

What sets traditional English cheddar cheese apart is the combination of rich milk, expert ageing, and the dedication of artisan cheesemakers. Mature cheddars are typically aged for 12 to 24 months, giving them that crumbly texture and deep flavour profile. Some are aged even longer for added complexity. They range from creamy and mild to strong and nutty.

At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we’ve tasted countless varieties, and we’re brimming with enthusiasm to share our top choices with you today.

Top English Cheddars That Deserve a Place on Your Cheese Board

Let’s dig into the rich world of English cheddar and discover what sets some of our favourites apart from the rest.

1. Montgomery’s Cheddar – Somerset’s Pride

Montgomery’s Cheddar is a traditional, clothbound West Country cheddar made using raw milk from a single herd of Friesian cows. This firm, dry-textured cheese packs an earthy punch with subtle beefy notes and a long, lingering finish.

What makes Montgomery’s so irresistible is its firm yet creamy balance and strong flavour with gentle fruity undertones. It’s aged for around 12 to 18 months in muslin cloth, developing that delicious natural rind. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and chutney.

Find expert-chosen English cheddar like this at our artisan English cheese collection.

2. Keen’s Cheddar – Traditionally Rich and Raw

Keen’s Cheddar is another favourite from Somerset’s lush hills. Made by the Keen family on their family farm, it’s a raw milk cheddar with a rugged edge and a legacy of excellence. Kept in muslin and aged naturally for up to 24 months, it delivers an unmissable complexity.

This English cheddar cheese offers a slightly tangy fragrance with notes of grass and an umami-rich taste that gets stronger with age. It’s crumbly, full-bodied, and perfect for those who want a cheddar with attitude.

3. Quicke’s Mature Clothbound Cheddar – Devon Delight

Handcrafted by the Quicke family in Devon, this six to twelve-month matured cheese develops a mature complexity that’s grassy, nutty, and savoury all in one bite. Wrapped and aged in traditional cloth, it gives off a slight caramel flair with just the right amount of crumble.

Quicke’s uses milk from their herd, carefully bred for their cheese, and everything is made using time-honoured techniques. No additives, no shortcuts. It’s pure cheddar love.

Pick up a wedge of Quicke’s or others from our specially selected cut cheese collection at Cheese Shop Nantwich.

4. Godminster Vintage Organic Cheddar – Creamy with Bite

This cheddar is quite different from the traditional clothbound approach. Godminster Vintage Cheddar, wrapped in eye-catching burgundy wax, is made with organic milk and melts beautifully in your mouth.

Matured for 12 months, it balances sweetness with an edge of acidity. It has a velvety texture and a subtle but steady strength, great for those who like a cheddar to be bold without overwhelming their palate. It’s perfect sliced into sandwiches or melted on a jacket potato.

5. Isle of Mull Cheddar – Strong Island Character

Here’s a Scottish twist on an English favourite. Isle of Mull Cheddar is made in the Inner Hebrides and boasts a sharp, tangy flavour with clean lactic notes. It’s slightly drier than many southern cheddars and uses milk from cows fed on whisky mash, giving it a sharp, almost yeasty tang.

It’s more rustic in texture and boasts a pale, crumbly interior. If you’re looking to try cheddar that pushes traditional flavour further, Isle of Mull’s version is a standout.

Perfect Pairings: Elevate Your Cheddar Experience

When enjoying your cheddar selection, what you pair with it makes the flavour shine. Here are a few of our tried-and-tested favourites:

• Classic oatcakes or crusty farmhouse bread: Let the textures complement one another.
• Fruit chutney or caramelised onion relish: The sweetness contrasts with the tang of mature cheddar beautifully.
• Ale or cider: These traditional English drinks pair naturally with cheddar’s earthy and creamy notes.
• Crisp apples or pears: A fresh crunch gives balance and helps lighten the richness.

You don’t need to be a cheese expert to make the most of these pairings. Just trust your taste buds and be open to trying combinations.

Store and Serve for Best Flavour

Getting the best from your cheddar doesn’t stop at choosing a quality cheese. Here are a few tips to make your experience even better:

• Store in waxed paper in the fridge: Avoid plastic wrap as it can make the cheese sweat. Waxed or parchment paper keeps it fresh while allowing it to breathe.
• Bring to room temperature before serving: Letting your cheese sit out for 30 to 60 minutes before eating allows the flavours to fully develop.
• Use a wire cutter or warmed knife for clean slices: Cheddar can crumble if roughly cut, so help it along by using the right tools.

Following these steps will help your cheddar taste as good as if it had just come from the cheesemaker’s hands.

Cheddar for Every Occasion

Traditional English cheddar is incredibly versatile, going from comfort food staple to gourmet essential with ease. Let’s look at some ideas to make the most of this magnificent cheese:

• Cheese boards: Choose 2 to 3 cheeses of different strengths alongside a soft cheese, blue cheese, and goat’s cheese. Add seasonal fruit and crackers.
• Cooking: Try mature cheddar in macaroni cheese, savoury muffins, or even baked into pies and pasties.
• Snacking: Enjoy cheddar just as it is, cut into chunks alongside charcuterie, nuts, or olives.

Because each cheddar brings its character, there’s always something new to enjoy every time you reach for a slice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between mature and extra mature cheddar?
Mature cheddar is typically aged for 12 to 18 months and has a strong, tangy taste. Extra mature cheddar is aged for 18 to 24 months or longer, giving it a crumbly texture and a bite that’s even more intense.

Is English cheddar suitable for vegetarians?
Many traditional cheddars are made with animal rennet, although some use vegetarian rennet. Always check the label or ask us at Cheese Shop Nantwich for guidance.

Can cheddar be frozen?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Freezing can affect texture, making it more crumbly once thawed. It’s best to eat cheddar fresh, though you can grate and freeze it for cooking if needed.

What is clothbound cheddar?
Clothbound cheddar is wrapped in cheese-grade muslin before ageing. This allows the cheese to breathe naturally and develop complex flavours and a natural rind.

How long does cheddar last in the fridge?
Wrapped properly in waxed or parchment paper and stored in the fridge, cheddar can last 2 to 3 weeks. Just make sure to re-wrap it after each use and keep it away from strong odours.

Taste Britain’s Best with Cheese Shop Nantwich

Traditional English cheddar remains one of our nation’s great treasures. From West Country legends like Montgomery’s and Keen’s to the creamy charm of Godminster, there’s a wedge of cheddar for every kind of cheese lover.

At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we’re passionate about cheeses rooted in tradition, made by real people using real methods. That’s why our range of artisan English cheddars is hand-picked, tasted, and loved by us so you can discover the best of what Britain has to offer.

Whether you’re a long-time cheese aficionado or just starting, there’s no better time to taste these exceptional flavours crafted by some of the country’s most dedicated cheesemakers. So go on, grab a slice, pour a drink, and enjoy a flavour