Neal’s Yard Dairy Colston Bassett Stilton
Cheese Highlights:
Animal Type: Cow’s Milk
Rennet Type: Traditional
Pasteurized: Yes
Style: English Blue
Origin: England
Pairing: Sweet wines, Full bodied red wines, and American IPA
** Try with Fresh Pears, Honey and Walnuts!
Neal's Yard Dairy's Colston Bassett Stilton is a renowned blue cheese, known for its exceptional quality and traditional production methods. It is crafted at the Colston Bassett Dairy in Nottinghamshire, England, one of the last remaining hand-ladled Stilton producers. This cheese has a rich history and is highly regarded in the world of fine cheeses.
Colston Bassett Stilton is made using pasteurized cow's milk, with a recipe and process that have been honed over a century. The hand-ladling technique is a crucial part of its production, contributing to the cheese's creamy texture and even distribution of blue veins. This method, which involves gently transferring the curds by hand, ensures a delicate and tender texture that sets Colston Bassett Stilton apart from its counterparts.
The flavor of Colston Bassett Stilton is deep and complex, featuring a rich, buttery profile with a balanced blue mold spiciness. It is less sharp and more mellow compared to other blue cheeses, making it widely appreciated for its refined taste. The texture is smooth and creamy, with a melt-in-the-mouth quality. This Stilton is an excellent choice for cheese boards, pairing beautifully with a variety of accompaniments like honey, pears, or walnuts. It's also a classic pairing with Port wine, as well as other sweet dessert wines or full-bodied red wines. Neal's Yard Dairy's commitment to traditional cheese-making techniques is evident in the quality and flavor of their Colston Bassett Stilton, making it a favorite among cheese connoisseurs.