Randy Chandler
Blacksticks Blue is an award-winning blue cheese made by Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses in Lancashire, England. It is a soft, blue-veined cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk and aged for about eight weeks, during which it develops a distinctive amber or golden hue and a creamy, smooth yet tangy flavour. It is soft enough to spread on bread or crackers and is also versatile for cooking. It is suitable for vegetarians.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Soft, blue-veined cheese |
| Manufacturer | Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses |
| Milk | Pasteurized cow's milk |
| Age | Aged for about eight weeks |
| Colour | Amber, Golden |
| Texture | Creamy, smooth |
| Flavour | Tangy, buttery, moderate blue |
| Suitable For | Vegetarians |
| Weight | 150g, 2.75kg |
| Best Paired With | Sweet or sharp flavours, wines that are sweet or dry whites |
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What You'll Learn
- Blacksticks Blue Cheese is a soft, blue-veined cheese
- It is made by Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses in Lancashire
- It is made from pasteurised cow's milk and aged for eight weeks
- It has a distinctive amber hue and a smooth yet tangy flavour
- It is suitable for vegetarians and pairs well with sweet or sharp flavours
Blacksticks Blue Cheese is a soft, blue-veined cheese
Blacksticks Blue Cheese is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. It is soft enough to spread on bread or crackers, and it can also be melted or cooked with. It pairs well with sweet or sharp flavours, such as honey or jam, and can be a tasty addition to a sandwich or cheeseboard. The cheese is suitable for vegetarians and has won multiple awards, including two Gold Stars at the Great Taste Awards.
The orange or amber hue of Blacksticks Blue Cheese comes from Annatto, which is derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. This natural colouring not only gives the cheese its unique appearance but also adds a subtle flavour that enhances the overall taste experience. The cheese is handmade using traditional methods and milk produced by herds within a 10km radius of the Lancashire family dairy.
Blacksticks Blue Cheese has a contemporary twist on the classic blue cheese, making it a popular choice for those looking for something a little different. It is often described as "moreish," and its smooth and creamy texture contributes to its popularity. The cheese has a rich history, with the Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses business being passed down through multiple generations of the same family.
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It is made by Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses in Lancashire
Blacksticks Blue Cheese is made by Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses, a family-run business located in rural Lancashire. The company produces a range of award-winning British cheeses, including the renowned Blacksticks variety.
Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses was established by Richard and Annie and has since been nurtured by Jean and Tom. Today, the business is run by Gill and Colin, with the next generation, Matthew and Daniel, also playing a role. The company takes pride in its family values, which form the foundation of its culture.
The cheese-making process at Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses combines traditional techniques with modern methods. Their Blacksticks Blue Cheese is crafted using pasteurized cow's milk sourced from local herds within a 10-km radius of their Lancashire family dairy. The milk is of exceptional quality, produced by cows that graze in the surrounding fields.
Blacksticks Blue Cheese is a soft, blue-veined cheese with a distinctive character. It is aged for approximately eight weeks, allowing it to develop its unique amber hue and a smooth yet tangy flavour. The cheese has a creamy texture and a moderate blue veining that adds a subtle bite without being overpowering, making it accessible even to those who typically shy away from blue cheeses.
The versatility of Blacksticks Blue Cheese is noteworthy. It can be enjoyed in various ways, from simply spreading it on bread or crackers to incorporating it into cooked dishes. It pairs well with both sweet and sharp flavours, and its meltability makes it a versatile ingredient. The cheese is suitable for vegetarians, adding to its broad appeal.
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It is made from pasteurised cow's milk and aged for eight weeks
Blacksticks Blue is a pasteurised cow's milk cheese. This means the milk used to make the cheese has been treated with heat to kill any harmful bacteria. This process helps to lengthen the shelf life of the cheese and prevents foodborne illnesses. Pasteurisation is a common practice in cheese-making and is used for a variety of cheeses, including those made from cow, goat, and sheep's milk.
During the eight-week ageing process, Blacksticks Blue develops its distinctive characteristics. The cheese takes on an amber or golden hue, and its texture becomes soft, creamy, and smooth. This texture is ideal for spreading on bread or crackers, and the cheese is also versatile enough to be used in cooking. The ageing process also contributes to the cheese's tangy flavour, which, along with its moderate blue veining, gives it a bite that tingles the taste buds.
The length of ageing can vary for different cheeses and is chosen to develop the desired characteristics in the final product. Some cheeses are aged for shorter periods, such as a few weeks, while others may be aged for several months or even years. The ageing process can also be influenced by the type of milk used, the starter culture, and the environment in which the cheese is aged.
Blacksticks Blue is made by Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses, a family-run business in Lancashire, England. The milk for the cheese comes from herds within a 10km radius of their Lancashire family dairy, and the cheese is handmade using traditional methods. The cheese has won multiple awards, including two Gold Stars at the Great Taste Awards in 2021 and 2023.
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It has a distinctive amber hue and a smooth yet tangy flavour
Blacksticks Blue Cheese is a distinctive cheese with a unique set of characteristics. One of its most defining features is its amber hue, a colour it develops during its eight-week ageing process. This hue is derived from Annatto, which comes from the seeds of the achiote tree. The colour is not just aesthetic, as it also contributes a subtle flavour that enhances the overall taste experience.
The cheese's flavour profile is described as smooth yet tangy, with a moderate blue bite that tingles the taste buds. This balance of smoothness and tanginess, along with its creamy texture, makes it a versatile cheese. It can be spread on bread or crackers, melted, or used in cooking, offering a range of serving options.
The blue veining in Blacksticks Blue is not overpowering, making it a good option for those who may not typically enjoy blue cheeses. Its flavour is described as having a "buttery distinctive bite," adding a layer of complexity to its overall taste experience. The cheese pairs well with sweet or sharp flavours, creating interesting contrasts when combined.
Blacksticks Blue Cheese is an award-winning variety, recognised by celebrity chef Simon Rimmer as "the daddy of all blue cheeses." It is a contemporary take on the traditional British blue cheese, handcrafted using time-honoured methods and rich milk from herds within a 10km radius of the Lancashire family dairy. This combination of traditional craftsmanship and local ingredients contributes to the cheese's unique characteristics and flavour profile.
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It is suitable for vegetarians and pairs well with sweet or sharp flavours
Blacksticks Blue is suitable for vegetarians and pairs well with sweet or sharp flavours. This soft, blue-veined cheese is made from pasteurised cow's milk and aged for about eight weeks, developing a distinctive amber hue and a smooth yet tangy flavour. Its creamy texture and moderate blue veining make it a versatile option for those who may not typically enjoy blue cheese.
When pairing with sweet flavours, consider adding Blacksticks Blue to a dessert dish or cheese plate. Its tangy flavour can complement sweeter elements, creating a well-rounded profile. Alternatively, the sharpness of certain flavours can highlight the cheese's moderate blue veining. This combination can add depth and complexity to a dish.
For those who enjoy wine, sweet or dry white wines tend to work well with blue cheeses like Blacksticks Blue. However, it is recommended to avoid rosés and reds. If you prefer beer, an English craft beer, such as a Stout, Porter, or Ale, can also complement the cheese's flavour profile.
In terms of culinary applications, Blacksticks Blue is soft enough to spread on bread or crackers and can be used in cooking. Its versatility allows for melting or switching it with other cheeses like cheddar to add depth to a dish. The cheese's tangy flavour and creamy texture make it a suitable ingredient for enhancing recipes or enjoying on its own.
Blacksticks Blue is produced by Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses, a family-owned business located in Lancashire, England. The cheese is handmade using traditional methods and milk sourced from local herds within a 10km radius of their dairy farm. This award-winning cheese has earned recognition from celebrity chef Simon Rimmer, who dubbed it "the daddy of all blue cheeses."
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Frequently asked questions
Blacksticks Blue is a soft, blue-veined cheese made by Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses in Lancashire, England.
It is made from pasteurized cow's milk and aged for about eight weeks, during which it develops a distinctive amber hue and a smooth yet tangy flavor.
It is soft enough to be spread on bread or crackers and is also versatile for cooking. It can be paired with sweet or sharp flavors to create a contrast.
It has a creamy texture and a buttery distinctive bite with a moderate blue that is not overpowering.
