Cheese Tasting 101: Understanding the Spectrum of Flavours

Cheese, with its vast spectrum of flavours, offers something for every palate, be it savoury, sweet, spicy or smoky. If you’re new to cheese-tasting and have no idea where to start, this guide to cheese flavours will provide an overview of the range of British cheeses available in our luxury cheese hampers, cheese wheels, and truckles.
 


Savoury

Our selection of savoury cheeses offers a delightful blend of classic flavours without being overly sweet. Perfect as a palate cleanser after a meal, served at a dinner, or simply as a delectable treat, many of these cheeses are infused with traditional flavours like caramelised red onion, garlic, or, for those feeling slightly more adventurous, Ale & Mustard or Sunday Roast – yes, a Sunday roast dinner in the form of a cheddar!

 

Sweet 

Cheeses don’t have to be savoury! Often paired with sweet accompaniments such as fruits, chutneys, honey, jams, and preserves, these sweet flavours balance out the savoury, tangy and pungent undertones of cheese. That’s why at the Chuckling Cheese Company we handcraft the perfect blend of sweet and savoury flavours into a single truckle of cheese. Our most popular sweet cheeses include Orange & Whisky Cheddar, Rum & Pineapple Carnival Cheddar, Christmas Pudding Cheddar, and Botanist Gin & Tonic Cheddar Truckle.

 

Classic & Strong

Many classic and strong cheeses are aged for months or even years, with extra mature cheddars aged for up to five years. This ageing process allows their flavours to develop and intensify, enriching your cheese-tasting experience. Our three-and-a-half-year-old cheddars are infused with classic flavours like apple smoke and chive to complement the strong taste. 

 

Garlic

As one of the most popular cheese accompaniments, we thought garlic deserved its own category. Whether combined with garden herbs, and spices or enjoyed on its own, garlic is a timeless flavour that never gets old. Our range of Lymn Bank Farm cheeses, made in Lincolnshire using the freshest ingredients, will make you fall in love with garlic cheese. 

 

Nice & Spicy

Ignite your taste buds with our Nice & Spicy cheese range. They’ll add a real kick to your palate. Our Flamin' Heart Hot & Spicy Cheddar, blended with red and green peppers, chilli powder and Jalapeño Peppers, is the hottest in our range and can be enjoyed as a tasty snack, in a sandwich or as a flavour booster to a dish. 

 

Smokin’

Another classic, smoked cheeses pair wonderfully with continental meats, olives, and cheese crackers. They are a must-have for your cheese board on any occasion, with their smoky aroma both comforting and appetising. Available in our range are naturally smoked cheese truckles, smooth and creamy with a hint of paprika. 
 


What is a Cheese Wheel?

A cheese wheel is a type of cheese that's cured and typically covered by a rind. Generally round, but sometimes seen as cuboids or triangular wedges, cheese wheels are a staple in traditional cheese stores. This shape promotes the formation of a hard ring around the exterior of the cheese, which is beneficial for its storage and flavour. Many cheese wheels are so large they are cut into wedges to be enjoyed in smaller portions. 

 

What is a Cheese Truckle?

Just like cheese wheels, truckles are round in shape but typically taller. They are sometimes described as barrel-shaped and can actually come as large as barrels! However, you’ll find cheese truckles small enough to be included in our luxury cheese hampers. Truckles can weigh anywhere from a few hundred grams to 25 kilograms – so large, they must be cut into smaller portions. Their protective wax keeps them fresher for longer, but also looks stylish in their many colours. Cheese truckles are traditionally hard cheese varieties like cheddar, aged and with a crumbly texture and slightly nutty flavour. 

 

What is a Cheese Cake?

Now I know what you’re thinking. “I know what a cheesecake is!” But this is something entirely different. Picture this: layers of delectable cheese wheels, truckles, and barrels stacked high just like a wedding cake! So much cheese you can’t wait to invite everyone over to slice into it and serve it up to them. Your friends might think you’re crazy, but deep down, they’ll love you for it. 

 

Explore Our Luxury Cheese Hampers

Indulge in a whole spectrum of complementary flavours all packed into one luxury cheese hamper. Our culinary experts at the Chuckling Cheese Company have worked hard since 2015 to master the art of cheese pairing. Each of our cheese hampers has been lovingly curated, making an excellent gift for any occasion. With one of our “build your own” cheese hampers you could even give it a shot yourself! Personalise your own cheese hamper today by browsing through our extensive selection of over 100 unique options. 
 

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