Best Stilton Cheese Guide

Stilton is a one of the UK’s most popular cheeses, it’s softer flavour making it a perfect addition to any cheese board or cheese gift hamper.

But the world of Stilton cheese is a lot more complicated than you may realise. The blocks and truckles you see on the shelves are the result of careful preparation by some of the best in the business, and the providers of Stilton are now few and far between.

So to help you decide if Stilton is a good choice for a hamper, either for yourself or a loved one, we’re going to break down the history of stilton and what makes it such an important part of British history.

What is Stilton Cheese?

Stilton is PDO cheese known for its crumbly texture and almost soft flavour, which makes it milder than a lot of other cheeses like sharp cheddar or red Leicester.

There are two main varieties:

Blue Stilton Cheese is one of the most distinct-looking cheeses, with its blueish veins making it resemble marble when cut. This colour comes from the addition of Penicillium roqueforti, which also adds to its unique flavour.

White Stilton Cheese is made in the same way as its blue sibling, only without the additional Penicillium roqueforti, keeping it smooth and white. Some people are put off by the blue veins, even when they know it’s completely safe to eat, so white Stilton enables them to enjoy it without issue.

Both types of Stilton have the same flavour, so the choice between blue and white is down to your personal preference.

Where is Stilton Cheese Made?

Stilton Cheese is a PDO, meaning Protected Designation of Origin. This means that it can only be produced in a specific area, in this case only three counties in England: Derbyshire (that’s us!), Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire.

Any cheese that looks like Stilton, smells like Stilton, and tastes like Stilton, isn’t Stilton if it is made anywhere else.

Despite its popularity, Stilton is now only being produced by only four companies. Of these four, three are factories mass-producing as much Stilton as possible, while the fourth is us. On our humble farm in Derbyshire, we’re still using the traditional methods to make Stilton, staying connected to our routes for over 100 years.

Sometimes it can be lonely being the only one still doing it this way, but we’re determined to never lose our goal of producing the best Stilton cheese, and the old ways are the best.

How is Stilton Cheese Made?

The method for making Stilton is the same as any other cheeses we produce. Fresh, pasteurised milk is poured into vats, alongside the unique cultures that make Stilton unique. We also add a special yeast that encourages faster growth of mould, so that the cheese can be ready to ship out sooner, but without sacrificing flavour or texture.

While in the vats, the milk is stirred at set intervals. In factories, this is done by machines, but we do it by hand as artisan quality requires a gentler touch. One of the main reasons why mass-produced cheese tastes different is because of how it is handled; machinery and conveyor belts mean that the cheese is often knocked around or mixed too harshly, which prevents it from having the creaminess that cheese fans look for.

We don’t use traditional methods just for the fun of it. The techniques we use are the same as they were in the 19th century, albeit with some modern optimisations to keep cheese fresh in storage and on the shelves. For example, most factories will use the largest vats possible – a higher yield means more profit. But we use smaller vats for our artisan cheese, so we can focus more on the quality than just churning it out at speed.

This extra effort is plain to taste across our entire range of cheeses, not just Stilton. If you want to taste the authentic flavour, we’re the only provider than delivers.

How to Enjoy Stilton Cheese

After its long journey to your door, in either a cheese hamper, subscription box, or as an individual order, you’ll be very keen to try our fabulous Stilton. But before you break out the cheese knife, you need to decide what to have with it.

Although delicious on its own, you should pair your Stilton with fruity flavours that complement its slight saltiness. Sweet fruits, therefore, are a perfect addition to your cheese board. Or we always recommend one of our chutneys, which are always made with locally sourced ingredients.

Of course you also need something to wash it down with. The best alcohol to have with Stilton is a robust red wine or fine port. Essentially you want something sweet, so many dessert wines will work perfectly, so you can choose whichever suits your preferences.

No matter what’s on being added on the side, always remember to take your Stilton out of the fridge an hour before you serve. This will allow it to soften, thus releasing more flavour.

How to Cook with Stilton Cheese

One of the reasons why Stilton Cheese is so popular is because of its versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own, alongside multiple other cheeses, or, most importantly, you can use it to cook with.

Its milder flavour enhances others, so mixing it into soup or pasta will give it an extra spark that other cheeses can’t pull off. It also works with an accompaniment to salads, or it can be used as an alternative to butter in some recipes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your Stilton, you’ll always discover something special.

The Best Stilton Cheese

Whether you’re a huge cheese fan or are just keen to try something new, our Stilton Cheese is the best in the UK. Thanks to our use of traditional methods, you’ll notice an immediate difference between it and off-the-shelf alternatives.

If you’re looking for a unique gift for family and friends, one of our cheese hampers are a great alternative to the usual alcohol and chocolate. And since the majority of them can be customised, you can make sure some of our blue Stilton or white Stilton is included.

When a cheese hamper isn’t for you, there are full wheels of Stilton, truckles, or pre-sliced blocks ready and waiting to be ordered.

If you have any questions about us or any of our products, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!