Patrick Oconnell
Blue Stilton is a variety of cheese that originated in England and is now available worldwide. It is produced by only a handful of dairies in three English counties: Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire. Stilton is a pungent, creamy cheese with sharp, sweet, and salty flavours. It is available for purchase online and at specialty cheese shops or grocery stores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Blue Cheese |
| Place of Origin | English counties of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire |
| Flavor | Sharp, Sweet, Salty, Moldy, Buttery |
| Texture | Creamy, Crumbly, Smooth |
| Online Availability | Amazon, Mackenzie Limited, Wisconsin Cheese Mart |
| Storage | Refrigerated, Frozen |
| Storage Temperature | 2 hours before serving to reach room temperature |
| Storage Container | Airtight container |
| Storage Life | 2 weeks in the refrigerator, 1 month in the freezer |
| Serving Temperature | Room temperature |
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What You'll Learn
Online retailers
There are a number of online retailers where you can purchase Stilton cheese. Amazon.com offers English Blue Stilton sold by the pound in the grocery and gourmet food section. Customers have described the cheese as creamy and smooth, with a buttery texture and a moderately salty, moldy flavor. However, some reviews mention that the cheese is too greasy and expensive.
Mackenzie Limited is another online retailer that offers imported Blue Stilton cheese. This retailer provides detailed instructions on how to store and serve the cheese to bring out its true flavor. They suggest keeping the cheese well-wrapped and stored in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks after opening. Before serving, they recommend removing the cheese from the fridge up to 2 hours beforehand to allow it to reach room temperature.
In addition, The Cheese Shop of Salem offers Stilton crafted at Colston Bassett Dairy, a small cooperative creamery in Nottinghamshire that has been producing the cheese since 1913. This retailer highlights the rich and smooth texture of the cheese, with gentle notes of butter and sweet cream evolving into bolder, farmyard flavors.
Lastly, Wisconsin Cheese Mart offers Stilton Blue Cheese, crafted with rich cow's milk and aged to perfection. They describe the cheese as having a luxurious texture marbled with bold blue veins, delivering a tangy punch and a lingering savory finish.
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Specialist cheese shops
One such shop is the Cheese Shop of Salem, which offers a range of cheese platters and fondue options and specifically recommends Colston Bassett Dairy's Stilton. This small cooperative creamery in Nottinghamshire has been producing Stilton since 1913 and is known for its commitment to traditional methods and high-quality local ingredients, including cow's milk and animal rennet. Their Stilton has a firm yet rich and smooth texture, with gentle notes of butter and sweet cream evolving into bolder, farmyard flavours and a pleasant salinity.
Long Clawson Dairy is another specialist Stilton maker based in Leicestershire. With a history dating back to 1912, they have a team of skilled master graders and affineurs who ensure the consistent quality of their cheeses. Their PDO Blue Stilton has won multiple awards, including Supreme Champion at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards.
Colston Bassett Dairy itself has also received numerous accolades for its Stilton. In 2020, it was named one of the top three Best British Cheese Brands in the Guild of Fine Food's 'Best Brands' survey, and their Whole Blue Stilton has won multiple gold awards.
These specialist cheese shops and dairies offer cheese enthusiasts the opportunity to explore and savour the unique flavours and textures of Stilton, a true British classic.
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Supermarkets (UK and Europe)
In the UK, Stilton cheese is available in most supermarkets. Some specific supermarkets that sell Stilton cheese in the UK include Morrisons and Amazon Fresh. Outside of the UK, it is possible to find Stilton cheese in European supermarkets. However, due to the cost of a veterinary surgeon certificate, sales to the European Union have stopped following Brexit.
If you are looking for a specific type of Stilton cheese, Colston Basset Stilton is highly regarded and can be purchased at supermarkets in the UK and possibly Europe. Another option is Clawson, which is also available in supermarkets, although some consider it inferior to Colston Basset.
For those looking for a more unique or artisanal Stilton cheese, a locally-owned fancy cheese store may be a better option. These stores can be found in the UK and Europe and may offer a wider variety of Stilton cheeses, including Stichelton, which is very similar to Blue Stilton but is not made with pasteurised milk and thus cannot be legally called Stilton.
Finally, it is worth noting that Stilton cheese is protected by the European Commission's Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, which means that only cheese produced in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire can be called Stilton. This may impact the availability of Stilton cheese in certain regions, as it must come from one of these three counties.
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US grocery stores
If you're looking for Stilton cheese in the US, your best bet is to head to a specialty cheese shop or a nicer grocery store with a dedicated cheese section. Some specific suggestions include Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Murray's Cheese shops, which are located inside larger Kroger stores. Online retailers like Markys and Amazon also offer Blue Stilton cheese for purchase.
When it comes to brands, keep an eye out for Colston Basset Stilton, which is highly regarded by cheese enthusiasts. It's crafted at Colston Bassett Dairy, a small cooperative creamery in Nottinghamshire that has been producing the cheese since 1913. Other recommended brands include Stichelton, Cropwell Bishop Stilton, and Clawson.
If you're new to blue cheese, you may find Stilton a bit strong. In that case, you might want to start with a milder variety like Gorgonzola dolce or Shropshire Blue, which are often easier to find in supermarkets. You can also try pairing Stilton with something sweet like pears or grapes to balance the strong flavor.
When serving Stilton, it's best to leave it at room temperature for an hour or more to fully develop its flavor. This is true of most cheeses. As for pairings, a fresh crusty baguette is always a good option, and for dessert, you could try something unique like pears stuffed with Stilton and poached in port.
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Colston Bassett Dairy
The process of making Colston Bassett Stilton begins with a 24-hour fermentation of pasteurized cow's milk, which develops the proper acidity and deep flavours. Animal rennet is then used to separate and drain the whey from the curds. The curds are hand-ladled into trays to continue draining before being salted, milled, and hooped. After five days of being flipped daily, the cheese begins its cave-aging process. During this time, the cylinder is pierced to allow blue mould to permeate the cheese.
The milk for Colston Bassett Stilton comes from dairy cows grazing in the Vale of Belvoir, a pastoral spread that borders Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire. These are the only three counties in which Stilton cheese may be produced. Colston Bassett has worked with the same five family dairies and employed only four cheesemakers throughout its history. Their Stilton is sold through Neal's Yard Dairy, with whom they have a strong relationship.
Colston Bassett Stilton is widely regarded as one of the best Stiltons available. It is known for its creamy mouthfeel, rich and savoury notes, and picture-perfect blue veining. It pairs well with port wine, cider, or Sauternes, and can be served in salads and sauces.
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Frequently asked questions
Stilton cheese can be purchased from Amazon, Wisconsin Cheese Mart, and Mackenzie Limited. It is also available in most UK supermarkets and some European ones. In the US, it can be found in most large supermarkets, and in the fancy cheese area in some grocery stores.
The best Stilton cheese is considered to be either Stichelton or Cropwell Bishop Stilton. Colston Basset Stilton is also highly recommended.
If the cheese arrives cold, it can be stored in the fridge or freezer to extend its shelf life. If kept in an airtight container in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks after opening, becoming creamier and more mellow over time. It can be frozen for up to 1 month if cut into portions and wrapped tightly.
