What is Barkham Blue? A Symphony of Flavours in Every Bite
Today, we turn the spotlight on a true gem of British dairy heritage — Barkham Blue. This isn’t just any cheese; it’s a symphony of flavors that unfolds in every bite.
Barkham Blue is not merely a cheese; it’s an experience. An experience that begins with the first visual impressions of its striking blue veins and creamy texture, continues with the tantalizing aroma that whets your appetite and culminates in a taste sensation that marries complex flavors with an unforgettable creamy finish.
Whether you’re a seasoned cheese connoisseur or a curious foodie looking for new culinary adventures, prepare to be enchanted by the multifaceted charm of Barkham Blue.
Quick facts about Barkham Blue
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Wokingham, Berkshire, England |
| Cheese Type | Blue Cheese |
| Milk Source | Cow’s milk |
| Texture | Creamy and soft |
| Flavor Profile | Rich and buttery with a moderate blue tang |
| Aging Time | 4 to 5 weeks |
| Awards | Best Blue Cheese at the British Cheese Awards (2008, 2012, 2015), Supreme Champion at the British Cheese Awards (2007) |
| Pairing | Pairs well with full-bodied red wines, dessert wines, and dark ales |
| Producer | Two Hoots Cheese |
What is Barkham Blue?
Barkham Blue is a distinctive and award-winning blue cheese produced in the United Kingdom. It hails from Two Hoots Cheese, a small family-run dairy in Barkham, near Wokingham in Berkshire, England.
The cheese is handmade using pasteurized cow’s milk and traditional rennet. It has a rich, creamy texture and a moderate blue flavor that isn’t overpowering. The cheese is covered with a thin, edible rind and typically aged for about four to five weeks.
Barkham Blue is known for its striking appearance, with a half-moon shape and deep blue veins running through its creamy white body. It’s a favorite among cheese lovers for its unique flavor profile and has won several awards, including Best Blue Cheese at the British Cheese Awards multiple times.
Whether enjoyed alone, paired with a robust wine, or used to add depth to culinary dishes, Barkham Blue offers a delightful experience for the palate.
What does Barkham Blue taste like
Barkham Blue is renowned for its rich, complex flavor profile that strikes a perfect balance between creamy and tangy.
The initial taste is buttery and smooth, almost melting on your tongue with an indulgent creaminess derived from the high-quality cow’s milk used in its production. This is followed by a moderate blue tang that isn’t too overpowering, adding just the right amount of piquancy to the cheese.
Its finish is long and lingering, with sweet, nutty undertones that add depth to the overall flavor. The edible rind also adds a slightly earthy note, enhancing the complexity of this cheese.
Overall, Barkham Blue is a well-rounded cheese that offers a sophisticated blend of flavors, making it a delight for both novice cheese tasters and seasoned connoisseurs alike.
Barkham Blue Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Barkham Blue has a unique half-moon shape with a thin, edible rind. Inside, the cheese is creamy white with deep blue veins running throughout.
- Texture: The texture is incredibly creamy and smooth. It’s a semi-soft cheese that melts in your mouth, delivering a rich, velvety feel.
- Aroma: The aroma of Barkham Blue is mild and inviting, with hints of earthiness from the rind and a subtle tang from the blue veins.
- Taste: The initial taste is buttery and rich, derived from the high-quality cow’s milk used in its production. This is followed by a moderate, well-balanced blue tang that isn’t too overpowering, providing just the right amount of sharpness.
- Aftertaste: The finish is long, lingering, and complex. It leaves a sweet, nutty aftertaste that complements the initial creaminess and blue tang.
- Pairings: Barkham Blue pairs well with full-bodied red wines, dessert wines, and dark ales. It also complements fruits like pears and apples, and can be used in a variety of culinary dishes.
What pairs well with Barkham Blue?
Food that goes well with Barkham Blue
| Category | Foods |
|---|---|
| Bread/Crackers | Artisan breads, whole grain crackers, baguette slices, oatcakes |
| Fruits | Fresh pears, apples, figs, grapes and dried fruits like apricots, dates |
| Nuts | Walnuts, pecans, almonds |
| Meats | Prosciutto, salami, chorizo |
| Condiments | Honey, fig jam, apple or pear chutney |
| Other Cheeses | Mild soft cheeses like Brie, hard cheeses like Manchego |
| Desserts | Dark chocolate, fruit tarts |
Also read: What Fruit Goes on a Charcuterie Board?
Beverage that goes well with Barkham Blue
| Category | Beverages |
|---|---|
| Red Wines | Full-bodied Reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel |
| White Wines | Dessert wines such as Sauternes, late harvest Riesling |
| Beers | Dark Ales, Stout, Porter |
| Spirits | Whiskey, especially single malt Scotch |
| Non-Alcoholic | Sparkling water, apple cider |
Also read: Best Wine and Cheese Pairings: The Ultimate Guide
Where to Buy Barkham Blue:
- Cheese Etc – 200 g for £6.80
- The Cots Wold Cheese Co – 187 g for £7.44
- Paxton & Whitfield – 200 g for £8.40
- Fine Food Specialist – 1 kg for £34.95
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