Randy Chandler
Irish cheese has come a long way from the traditional Cheddar and blues that resembled English cheeses. The country now boasts a wide range of offerings, including the famous Dubliner, a hard, sweet, granular cheese with a strong flavour and a touch of sharpness and nuttiness. This cheese was created by accident in 1990 by John Lucey, a food science Ph.D. student, who sold the recipe to the Carbery Group, which remains its most prominent producer. The cheese is now marketed internationally under the Kerrygold label and can be found in major grocery stores such as Walmart, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods Market. In this article, we will explore the unique taste of Irish Tanah cheese and compare it to other Irish cheeses like Dubliner to understand its place in the diverse and delicious world of Irish cheese.
Characteristics of Irish Dubliner Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavour | Complex, sharp, nutty, sweet, buttery, peppery |
| Texture | Firm, smooth, crumbly, granular |
| Colour | Pale to bright yellow, golden yellow rind |
| Type of Milk | Pasteurised cow's milk |
| Ageing | Aged for at least 12 months |
| Food Pairings | Fruits, crackers, fruity wines (especially Irish), burgers, sandwiches, macaroni, bread, beer, Guinness |
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What You'll Learn
Irish Cheddar vs. English Cheddar
Irish Cheddar and English Cheddar are differentiated by their country of origin, taste, and production process. Cheddar cheese is a traditional English cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, before the 12th century. It is made from cow's milk, either whole or high-fat, and goes through a process called "Cheddaring," which involves draining the remaining whey from the curds to achieve the right acidity and texture. English Cheddar is typically aged between 2 and 24 months, with some manufacturers ageing it further to develop a more unique flavour and texture.
On the other hand, Irish Cheddar, such as the popular Dubliner cheese, is a relatively modern creation, with its roots in the 1990s. It is produced in various regions of Ireland, including County Cork, and was accidentally developed by a food science Ph.D. student, John Lucey. Irish Cheddar is made using existing equipment and technology for cheesemaking, particularly that used for its English cousin. This similarity in production methods contributes to the similarities in taste and texture between the two types of Cheddar.
In terms of taste, English Cheddar is known for its sharp and complex flavour, a characteristic that develops with ageing. Irish Cheddar, like Dubliner cheese, combines the sharpness of mature English Cheddar with a buttery sweetness reminiscent of Parmesan. It has nutty undertones and a noticeable peppery sharpness, resulting in a unique and mature flavour profile. The texture of Irish Cheddar can vary from firm and smooth to crumbly, depending on the ageing period.
Both types of Cheddar are versatile in cooking and are widely used in grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and burgers. They pair well with fruits, crackers, and wines, especially those of Irish origin. However, due to the specific production methods and regional variations, there may be subtle differences in taste and texture between different batches of Irish and English Cheddar, making each batch unique.
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Irish Cheddar and wine
Irish Cheddar is a term used for a particular type of cheese that originates from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. However, due to its lack of protected designation, Cheddar cheese can be made anywhere in the world and still be called Cheddar cheese. This means that Irish Cheddar is a very common type of cheese found in grocery stores, especially around St. Patrick's Day.
Irish Cheddar is typically made from grass-fed, pasteurised cow's milk, salt, cheese cultures and enzymes. It is often described as having a sweeter flavour than its English counterpart, with a milder taste and a creamy texture. The most well-known brand of Irish Cheddar is Kerrygold, which offers a variety of cheeses with different flavours and textures, such as Skellig, a sweet and tangy cheese, and Reserve, a sharp and strong cheese. Other popular Irish Cheddar brands include Tipperary Castle, known for its creamy texture and mild taste, and Dubliner, a cheese with a strong flavour and a touch of sweetness.
When it comes to wine pairings, Irish Cheddar typically goes well with oaky Chardonnay, full-bodied Cabernet, or a Californian Zinfandel. These wines complement the subtle flavours of the cheese without overwhelming them. However, some people may also enjoy pairing Irish Cheddar with whiskey or ale, such as Guinness, especially when celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
In terms of food pairings, Irish Cheddar is quite versatile. It can be enjoyed on a cheese board with crackers, fruits, nuts, and fresh herbs. It also pairs well with Irish breads like wheaten or soda bread. For a more substantial meal, Irish Cheddar can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, or macaroni and cheese. It can also be a tasty addition to a full Irish breakfast, especially when paired with eggs and tomatoes.
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Irish Cheddar and Guinness
Irish Cheddar is a catch-all term for "farmstead cheese made in a Cheddar style". While it may not have a protected designation of origin, Cheddar is a type of cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar, Somerset, England. However, Irish Cheddars tend to have a milder, sweeter flavour than their English counterparts. This is due to the grass-fed, full-fat, pasteurised cow's milk used in their production, which gives them their distinctive golden yellow colour.
The most well-known Irish Cheddar is the Dubliner, made by Kerrygold. It has a strong flavour with a touch of sweetness and a hard, crumbly texture. Other popular Irish cheddars include the Tipperary Castle Irish Cheddar, which has a rich, creamy texture and a mild taste, and the Kerrygold Skellig, which has a tangy, butterscotch-like sweetness.
When creating a cheese board with Irish Cheddar, it is best served on a board, slate, or marble, garnished with seasonal fruit, nuts, and fresh herbs. For a more traditional Irish experience, serve it with plain or seeded crackers, oatcakes, flatbreads, or Irish breads like wheaten or soda bread. While wine is a popular beverage pairing, the trend for Irish Cheddars is to pair them with whiskey and ale, especially Guinness.
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Irish Cheddar and whiskey
When it comes to Irish Cheddar, there is a diverse range to choose from. The most well-known variety is perhaps the Dubliner, a hard, sweet, and granular cheese with a strong flavour and a touch of sweetness. It is named after Dublin, the largest city in Ireland, and has become a beloved classic. The cheese was created by accident in 1990 by John Lucey, a food science Ph.D. student who was experimenting with cheesemaking equipment, primarily used for making Irish Cheddar. The happy accident resulted in a cheese that emulates a mature Cheddar or Parmesan, with a sharp flavour and a unique texture.
Other popular Irish Cheddars include the Tipperary Castle Irish Cheddar, known for its rich and creamy texture, and a mild to medium flavour. The Kerrygold Skellig is another favourite, with its distinctive butterscotch-like sweetness. For those who enjoy a sharper flavour, the Kerrygold Reserve is a rich and strong Cheddar with a slightly crumbly texture. These cheeses can be found at major grocery stores, making them accessible to cheese enthusiasts everywhere.
When creating the perfect pairing with whiskey, it's essential to consider the different types of Irish whiskey and how they complement the cheese. Single pot still whiskey, for example, is known for its robust and spicy flavour, which can stand up to the sharpness of a mature Irish Cheddar. On the other hand, a blend of grain and malt whiskeys may have a smoother, sweeter profile that pairs beautifully with a milder Cheddar, such as the Tipperary or Blarney Castle varieties.
To elevate the tasting experience, it's recommended to serve the cheese at room temperature on a board, slate, or marble to keep it cool. Garnish with seasonal fruits, nuts, or fresh herbs, and provide a selection of crackers, flatbreads, or traditional Irish breads on the side. As for whiskey, a smooth and sweet blend, or a single malt with fruity notes, can beautifully offset the sharpness of the Cheddar. So, whether it's a special occasion or a quiet night in, indulging in Irish Cheddar and whiskey is a delightful way to savour the flavours of Ireland.
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Irish Cheddar and food pairings
Irish Cheddar is a catch-all term for "farmstead cheese made in a Cheddar style". While some Irish cheddars are similar to their English cousins, others are sweeter and milder. Irish cheddars are made from grass-fed, pasteurised cow's milk, salt, cheese cultures and enzymes. They are differentiated by how long and how they are aged.
When creating a cheese board with Irish cheddars, it is recommended to include seasonal fruit, nuts, fresh herbs, and plain or seeded crackers, oatcakes, flatbreads, or Irish breads like wheaten or soda bread. Chutneys and relishes can also be served, although these are better suited to stronger, more pungent cheeses like blue cheese.
Beverage pairings for Irish cheddars include wine, especially oaky chardonnay, full-bodied cabernet, or a Californian Zinfandel. Whiskey and ale, especially Guinness, are also popular pairings.
One of the most well-known Irish cheddars is Kerrygold Dubliner, which is named after the largest city in Ireland, Dublin. It is a hard, sweet, granular cheese with a strong, sharp flavour. It is designed to emulate a mature cheddar or parmesan. It has a natural, golden yellow rind and is aged for at least 12 months. It is marketed internationally under the Kerrygold label. It is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, macaroni and cheese, and pairs well with a full Irish breakfast, especially eggs and tomatoes. It also goes well with fruits, crackers, and fruity wines, especially those of Irish origin. A freshly pulled pint of Guinness is a traditional pairing with Dubliner cheese.
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