Barkham Blue

Barkham Blue Cheese

• Country: England
• Region: Berkshire
• Flavour: Rich, creamy, and mellow with a savoury tang
• Type of Milk: Cow's milk
• Pasteurisation: Pasteurised
• Vegetarian Rennet: Yes
• Organic: No

Overview:

Barkham Blue is an artisan, award-winning blue cheese crafted in the heart of Berkshire, England. Known for its distinctive deep yellow paste and creamy texture, this cheese is celebrated for its rich and savoury flavour profile, with a mellow blue tang that appeals to both blue cheese aficionados and newcomers alike. Its thick, rustic rind adds character, while the buttery interior offers a velvety mouthfeel that’s truly indulgent. Barkham Blue is handmade by Two Hoots Cheese, a small, family-run dairy dedicated to traditional cheesemaking methods.

History & Background:

Barkham Blue is produced by the multi-award-winning Two Hoots Cheese, a family business established in 2003 by Sandy and Andy Rose. Located in Barkham, Berkshire, the couple began making cheese with a focus on quality and tradition. Barkham Blue has since become a celebrated British blue cheese, earning numerous accolades, including Best Blue Cheese at the World Cheese Awards and the Great Taste Awards. Its distinctive style and flavour have made it a favourite among cheese lovers and an essential part of any cheese board.

Cheesemaking Process:

• Milk Source: Barkham Blue is made from pasteurised cow’s milk, sourced from local farms in Berkshire.
• Moulding & Rind Development: The cheese is shaped into a unique wheel with a rounded dome shape, setting it apart from the typical flat blue cheeses. Its rind develops naturally during the aging process, forming a thick, edible crust that adds to its complexity.
• Aging: Barkham Blue is aged for approximately 8-10 weeks, allowing the blue veining to spread throughout the creamy interior. This aging process develops its signature rich flavour and soft texture.
• Texture: The paste of Barkham Blue is buttery and dense, with a soft, creamy consistency that melts on the palate. The blue veining adds a subtle crumble while enhancing the cheese’s savoury taste.

Taste & Texture:

• Flavour:
  • Barkham Blue has a complex flavour profile, combining creamy richness with a mellow, savoury tang. The blue notes are perfectly balanced, offering just enough sharpness to complement the buttery body of the cheese.
  • Subtle undertones of earthiness and umami linger on the palate, making Barkham Blue a deeply satisfying cheese.
• Texture:
  • The texture is smooth and velvety, with a slight crumbly structure from the blue veining. Its dense, creamy body contrasts beautifully with the delicate salt crystals, adding a delightful mouthfeel.

Pairing Recommendations:

• Savoury Pairings:
  • Pair Barkham Blue with crusty bread, oatcakes, or sourdough crackers for a classic savoury snack.
  • Serve alongside celery sticks, figs, or walnuts to enhance its rich, tangy flavour.
  • It also pairs beautifully with charcuterie, such as prosciutto, pancetta, or smoked meats, balancing the richness of the cheese with the salty bite of cured meats.
• Sweet Pairings:
  • Barkham Blue pairs wonderfully with honey, pear slices, or fig chutney, providing a contrast of sweetness against its savoury tang.
  • Dried fruits like apricots or dates also complement the creamy and salty notes of the cheese.
• Wine Pairings:
  • A full-bodied red wine, such as Port, Malbec, or Merlot, enhances the savoury depth of Barkham Blue.
  • For white wine lovers, try a Sauternes or Riesling, whose sweetness contrasts beautifully with the cheese’s tangy blue notes.
• Beer Pairings:
  • A stout or porter makes an excellent companion, with its roasted malt flavours complementing the cheese’s richness.
  • A Belgian dubbel or IPA also pairs well, balancing the creamy texture and sharp blue tang.

Culinary Uses:

• Cheese Boards: Barkham Blue is a standout addition to any cheese board, where its vibrant colour and creamy texture captivate guests.
• Salads: Crumble Barkham Blue into a seasonal salad with rocket, toasted pecans, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
• Pasta & Risotto: Melt Barkham Blue into pasta dishes or a creamy blue cheese risotto for a rich, indulgent meal.
• Sauces: Use Barkham Blue to make a blue cheese sauce for steak, burgers, or roasted vegetables.
• Stuffed Vegetables: Crumble the cheese into stuffed mushrooms, peppers, or even baked potatoes for a luxurious twist.

Storage & Serving:

• Storage: Wrap Barkham Blue in wax paper or cheese paper and store it in the fridge. Keep it in the vegetable drawer, where the temperature is slightly higher, to maintain its creaminess.
• Serving Instructions: Allow Barkham Blue to come to room temperature (30-60 minutes) before serving to fully appreciate its flavour and texture.

Conclusion:

Barkham Blue is a true gem of British cheesemaking, offering a luxuriously creamy texture and balanced blue flavour that is both approachable and indulgent. Whether enjoyed with fruits, crackers, or a glass of Port, this award-winning cheese delivers a sophisticated yet comforting experience. Its rich heritage and artisan production methods make it a must-try for any cheese lover seeking the very best of British blues.