Gorwydd Caerphilly

Gorwydd Caerphilly

• Country: United Kingdom
• Region: Somerset (originally from Wales)
• Flavour: Fresh and clean with a hint of citrus
• Type of Milk: Raw cow’s milk
• Pasteurisation: Unpasteurised
• Vegetarian Rennet: Yes
• Organic: No

History & Origins:

Gorwydd Caerphilly is a traditional, artisan cheese that originated in Wales but is now crafted in Somerset by the Trethowan family. This cheese embodies the heritage of Caerphilly cheesemaking, a practice that dates back to the 19th century, when Caerphilly was created as a lunch cheese for Welsh coal miners. Its crumbly centre and moist texture made it both refreshing and filling—a perfect match for a miner’s diet.

The Trethowan family has elevated this humble Welsh cheese into an award-winning artisan product, preserving the traditional methods while adding their own expertise. The result is a cheese with a rich depth of flavour that combines the freshness of youth with the complexity of careful maturation.

Cheesemaking Process:

• Traditional Methods: Gorwydd Caerphilly is made using raw cow’s milk and aged for approximately 10 weeks, striking the perfect balance between freshness and maturity.
• Natural Rind: This cheese is notable for its natural, mottled rind, which adds a distinctive earthy flavour and texture.
• Three Layers: The cheese develops three distinct layers during maturation:
  • A crumbly, fresh core with clean, citrusy notes.
  • A creamy, almost buttery middle layer.
  • A slightly mushroomy, earthy rind.
• Raw Milk: The use of raw milk enhances the cheese's complexity and brings out the nuances of the local terroir.

Taste & Texture:

• Flavour:
  • A delicate balance of fresh citrus tang and a rich, savoury depth.
  • The flavour intensifies as you move from the centre to the rind, offering an experience that is both clean and complex.
• Texture:
  • A crumbly, moist core with a slight chalkiness.
  • The outer layers become progressively creamy and soft, with the rind adding a slightly earthy chewiness.

Pairing Recommendations:

• Savoury:
  • Artisanal bread, such as a crusty sourdough or rye loaf.
  • Charcuterie, particularly cured meats like prosciutto or coppa.
  • Pickles or chutney, especially a tangy apple or pear chutney.
• Sweet:
  • Honey, particularly floral varieties like wildflower or heather.
  • Figs, whether fresh or dried, and sliced apples or pears.
  • Walnuts, which complement the cheese’s creamy texture and savoury notes.
• Wine:
  • A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc to match the cheese's fresh, citrusy notes.
  • A light, fruity Pinot Noir for a gentle contrast to its creamy layers.
• Beer or Cider:
  • A traditional cider or a light pale ale works beautifully with the earthy tones of the rind and the citrus tang of the core.

Culinary Uses:

• Cheese Board: Gorwydd Caerphilly is a stunning addition to any cheese board, offering a variety of flavours and textures in a single wheel.
• Cooking: Its crumbly texture and creamy rind make it ideal for crumbling over salads, grating into soups, or using as a topping for baked potatoes.
• Snack: Enjoy simply with crackers or as a ploughman’s lunch with pickles, chutney, and bread.

Awards & Recognition:

Gorwydd Caerphilly has received multiple prestigious cheese awards, including recognition at:

• The British Cheese Awards
• The World Cheese Awards
• The Great Taste Awards

These accolades underscore its reputation as one of the finest examples of artisan Caerphilly in the world.

Fun Facts:

• Reviving Tradition: The Trethowan family has been instrumental in preserving the traditional methods of Caerphilly cheesemaking, which were in danger of being lost.
• From Wales to Somerset: Though Caerphilly originated in Wales, Gorwydd Caerphilly is now made in Somerset, where the family moved to take advantage of the rich, high-quality milk available in the region.
• Three Layers: The distinctive texture and flavour journey of Gorwydd Caerphilly—from crumbly core to creamy rind—is one of its most celebrated features.

Storage & Serving:

• Storage: Wrap the cheese in wax paper or breathable cheese paper and store it in the vegetable drawer of your fridge to maintain its moisture and texture.
• Serving Instructions: Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before serving to fully appreciate its flavour and texture.

Conclusion:

Gorwydd Caerphilly is a masterful interpretation of a classic British cheese. With its fresh citrus tang, creamy depth, and earthy rind, this artisan cheese offers a sensory journey that celebrates both tradition and craftsmanship. Whether enjoyed on a cheese board, paired with cider, or crumbled into a salad, Gorwydd Caerphilly is a versatile and rewarding cheese that deserves a place in every cheese lover’s repertoire.