Throughout its 104 year history Colston Bassett has been making outstanding cheese. Established as a farming co-operative, today the dairy’s milk is supplied by four farms within a 1.5 mile radius in the Vale of Belvoir. Many of the original families are still involved in the business.
Stilton has a PDO status (Protected Designation of Origin). The PDO scheme promotes and protects names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs. Stilton can only be produced in the three counties of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, using pasteurised local milk, and according to a very strict code. Stilton’s PDO status is a guarantee to consumers that their cheese has been made to a specific recipe – they know that what they are buying can authentically be classified ‘king of cheeses’. Colston Bassett is one of only six dairies licensed to make Stilton, in addition, they also make Shropshire Blue.
Traditional cheesemaking methods, such as the labour intensive process of hand-ladling the curds help to maintain their delicate structure – guaranteeing the best quality cheese. As the cheese matures, oxygen is introduced; which allows the blue veining associated with Stilton to develop. Each cheese is regularly graded until it is deemed to be in peak condition for sale. To produce one 7.5kg Stilton cheese, it requires around 72 litres of milk. The process is overseen by experienced Dairy Manager, Billy Kevan. Billy has been casting his careful eye over the creation of Colston Bassett’s blue cheeses since 1999.
There are many variables that can affect how long the cheesemaking process takes, before the Stilton or Shropshire Blue are ready to eat – temperature and humidity are two key factors. In broad terms, Stilton is usually ready to be eaten 10-12 weeks and Shropshire Blue generally matures for 8-10 weeks.
Colston Bassett Dairy has a proud heritage and remains true to traditional cheesemaking methods. The hard work of Billy Kevan and his team at Colston Bassett Dairy is continually recognised – the Dairy has celebrated endless award successes including multiple Great Taste Award Stars and recognition at the World Cheese Awards and the International Cheese Awards.
To manage demand, whilst maintaining the supreme quality of Colston Bassett’s delicious cheeses, the Dairy is in the process of implementing a ten year investment programme. There is now increased maturation capacity; this additional space will streamline the production flow, particularly in the lead up to the busy festive period.
Contact us
- Colston Bassett Dairy
- Harby Lane, Colston Bassett, Nottingham, NG12 3FN
- United Kingdom
- Call 01949 81322
- www.colstonbassettdairy.com
Our cheeses on the World Cheese Map
Credits: Colston Bassett Dairy