the cheese blog

Lincolnshire Poacher

I had wanted to try Lincolnshire Poacher after I read a description of the cheese when it was announced as an award winner at this years British Cheese Awards (Best Modern British Cheese and Gold Cow Over 6 Months). Lincolnshire Poacher is made by F.W Read & Sons Ltd. at Ulceby Grange Farm in Alford, Lincolnshire.

The cheese is made from unpasteurized cows milk and is typically matured for 14 to 24 months. The style of the cheese is based on a West Country Cheddar recipe, but apparently also has aspects of a Swiss mountain style cheese too.

It has a wonderful gold and orange colored rind with lots of interesting texture. The aroma is slightly nutty. The texture is smooth, but a bit dry and just ever so crumbly. The taste is really great. It has some some sweetness, like butterscotch, and then hazelnut flavors. It finishes with a slight tanginess. Poacher reminds me more of an 2+ year aged Gouda compared to an aged Cheddar. Overall, a really great cheese.