Beillevaire Montgomery Cheddar
Traditional Clothbound English Cheddar
(Tuesday May 19 , 2026)
Tasting Notes of the Curator
Beillevaire Montgomery Cheddar is the kind of cheese that immediately reveals depth and heritage. Made using traditional farmhouse methods, this clothbound cheddar develops a firm yet slightly crumbly texture that slowly softens and coats the palate with remarkable richness.
The flavor profile is layered and expressive. Expect deep savory notes of toasted nuts, browned butter, cellar earthiness, and caramelized cream, balanced by a lively tang and subtle mineral sharpness that keeps the cheese vibrant rather than heavy. There is a gentle rusticity here — something unmistakably tied to traditional English cheesemaking and long maturation.
As the cheese tempers at room temperature, its complexity unfolds further: warm hay, roasted nuts, broth-like umami, and faint hints of mushroom and fresh grass begin to emerge beneath the cheddar’s buttery richness. The clothbound aging method contributes to both the texture and aromatic depth, giving the rind and paste a more natural, farmhouse character compared to industrial block cheddars.
This is a cheddar for serious cheese lovers — powerful yet refined, deeply savory yet balanced enough to remain endlessly enjoyable.
Pairings and Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread, oat crackers, or walnut bread.
- Pair beautifully with apples, pears, or chutneys.
- Excellent alongside charcuterie and cured meats.
- Pair with dark ales, cider, or structured red wines.
- Grate over baked dishes, potatoes, or savory pies.
- Wonderful melted into gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
For a classic English pairing, serve with apple slices, pickles, and warm rustic bread.
One of England’s Great Farmhouse Cheddars
Montgomery Cheddar is widely regarded as one of the benchmark traditional English clothbound cheddars. Produced using raw cow’s milk and time-honored farmhouse methods, it reflects the older style of cheddar-making before industrialization transformed the category.
The cheese is traditionally clothbound and matured slowly, allowing it to develop natural complexity, savory depth, and a more expressive texture compared to vacuum-packed modern cheddars. This approach preserves the connection between the cheese, the pasture, and the craftsmanship behind it.
Selected by Beillevaire, this cheddar represents the kind of heritage cheese that rewards slow enjoyment — rustic, authentic, and deeply rooted in traditional dairy culture.
Storage Instructions
Keep refrigerated between 2–6°C. Wrap in cheese paper or breathable parchment after opening to allow the cheese to continue maturing naturally while preventing excessive drying.