By Chimp & Chilli

There’s something truly magical about cheese. Whether it’s a wedge of creamy Brie oozing onto your cracker, a sharp Lancashire that tastes of home, or a bold blue that makes your tastebuds tingle, cheese has a way of stealing the show on any table. But with so many varieties out there — from the familiar to the utterly artisan — choosing the right one can feel a little daunting. Let’s take a wander through the world of cheese and discover a few ways to savour it like a pro.

The Art (and Science) of Cheese

At its heart, cheese is simple: milk, salt, enzymes, and time. Yet within that simplicity lies extraordinary character. Cow’s milk brings rich, rounded flavours; goat’s milk offers tang and freshness; sheep’s milk tends to be silky and slightly sweet. The magic happens in the maturing — how the cheese is aged, wrapped, and even washed gives it a personality all its own.

That’s why no two Cheddars or Bries are ever quite alike. Take Baron Bigod, for example — a luxuriously creamy British Brie-style cheese from Suffolk. Its buttery texture and earthy aroma rival the best from France, yet it’s unmistakably English.

Understanding Cheese Families

It helps to think of cheese in “families,” grouped by texture and style:

Fresh cheeses – Soft and mild, like mozzarella, ricotta, or feta. They’re full of moisture and best enjoyed young.
Soft-ripened cheeses – Think Brie or Camembert, with their white, bloomy rinds and luscious centres - Baron Bigod is a beautiful example.
Semi-soft cheeses – Buttery and easy-going, such as Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire, made locally with raw milk and traditional curds. Its crumbly texture and creamy tang make it a true North West treasure.
Hard cheeses – Matured for depth and crunch. Cheddar, Parmesan, and aged Gouda all fall here.
Blue cheeses – Veined with mould for bold, complex flavours. Shropshire Blue is one of our favourites — creamy and full-bodied, with that gorgeous orange hue and a gentle tang that pairs perfectly with chutney or a drizzle of honey.

How to Choose Cheese Like a Pro

Start with what you enjoy — there’s no wrong choice when it comes to cheese. But if you want to branch out, here are a few tips:

Follow your senses. A cheese’s smell, texture, and even colour tell part of its story. Don’t fear a strong aroma — it often hides a delicate flavour.
Mix and match. Combine soft with hard, mild with strong, and old favourites with something new.
Think seasonal. Lighter cheeses like goat’s or Brie shine in spring and summer, while blues and aged varieties come into their own in the colder months.
Ask your cheesemonger. At Chimp & Chilli we love helping customers find their perfect match — whether that’s something classic for a ploughman’s or something adventurous for a dinner party.

Serving and Storing Cheese

Let cheese breathe before serving — about half an hour at room temperature helps the flavours open up beautifully. When storing, wrap each piece in wax or cheese paper and pop it into a container in the fridge. Avoid wrapping cheese directly in plastic; it traps moisture and flattens the flavour.

Pairing Perfection

Cheese loves company. Try pairing Baron Bigod with a crisp apple and a spoonful of fig chutney, or Shropshire Blue with a drizzle of local honey and some walnuts. Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire sings alongside caramelised onion chutney and a good artisan cracker. And of course, a glass of something well chosen — a chilled white, a fruity red, or even a craft cider — never goes amiss.

A Final Word

Cheese isn’t just food — it’s craft, history, and comfort all in one. Whether you’re nibbling on something familiar or discovering a new favourite, take a moment to enjoy the story behind it. Every wedge tells one.

So when we open our doors, pop into Chimp & Chilli and explore our handpicked range. We’ll help you find the perfect cheese for any occasion — whether it’s a cosy night in or a show-stopping cheeseboard to share.

Cheese – A Journey for Every Taste