Well, this is timely: Cheddar matured in a haunted cave. The Witch of Wookey Hole was not a good witch—she caused crop failures and other local disasters—but the tasty wheels aged in her Somerset hideout redeem her. Despite the spooky back story, Wookey Hole Cheddar, a clothbound wheel, is serious cheese from the U.K.’s premier Cheddar region. There is actually some evidence for the witch, which I’ll get to. But what cheese lovers need to know is that an importer is now bringing in this cheese in whole wheels, not precuts. And I’ll tell you why that matters.
Read moreAmerican Champion for British Cheeses
Photo: Harry Darby
How did an American end up running a legendary British cheese retailer and exporter? Neal’s Yard Dairy selects, matures and sells some of the finest British and Irish cheeses, both internationally and in its own four London shops. Over four decades, founder Randolph Hodgson elevated the profile of these distinctive cheeses and helped many traditional cheesemakers survive. With Hodgson’s retirement, this esteemed British firm is now under the direction of David Lockwood (above), an American.
Read moreBritish Cheddar Goes Green
The world’s first carbon-neutral Cheddar is landing in U.S. stores this month, just in time for your first autumn cheese board. It’s made in the English county of Somerset, where most of the best British Cheddars originate. If you’ll be watching the funeral ceremonies for Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, you might want a little British snack for the occasion. Alas, this new arrival is not the Cheddar that holds the Royal Warrant —we don’t get that one in the U.S.—but it’s easy to love and from a producer with big environmental goals.
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