The Lionel - Just Cheese

This is the latest cheese from Lynher Dairies, makers of Supreme Champion 2017 Cornish Kern, Stithians is a matured, unwrapped version of their famous Cornish Yarg. Takes on a further 3-6 months than Yarg, and with a natural rind, Stithians ends up taking the best of both Yarg and Kern. It just about has the slight lactic, fresh citrus bite, but has become denser by this stage. Layered on top of that are the early shoots of Kern...the nutty, caramel richness and the faintest hint of honey floral sweetness.

Pitchfork has incredible complexity and balance, one of the trademarks of a great cheddar. You'll find a farmy-like tang, a buttery undercoat with the hallmark of a proper, Clothbound cheddar- a crumbly, earthy breakdown in the mouth. There really is none of that supple rubbery chewiness you get with a supermarket cheddar. No wonder Pitchfork won 4th best cheese in the World in 2020, and Best British cheese!

A testament to British cheesemaking, and a nod to continental cheesemaking, this is a washed rind cheese destined for great things. When slightly younger, the flavours are fresher and crisper, with just a hint of fruitiness. Ripened on, it develops deep, savoury, meaty flavour, a bit like those famous continental pongers like Epoisses. However, the cider wash brings an astonishing fermented fruity funk, balancing the savoury flavours perfectly, all playing out amidst the most tantalising creamy, decadent, luxurious texture. A modern take on history, and a cheese for the ages.

Supreme Champion at the 2014 World Cheese Awards, this Stilton-style cheese shows what value can be added by manual cheesemaking. Made on a small scale, with hand-ladled curds, every cheese is pierced by hand so the 7 cheesemakers can feel the moisture and adapt the piercing accordingly for every individual cheese. Whilst it hits all the classic Stilton notes, some sharp saltiness, balanced by a richness, what stands out is the long, lingering toasted hazelnut melted butter on toast finish.