CHEESE BOX 75 –

June 25

Welcome to our Cheese box 75 – June 25! 

SAD NEWS AND GOOD NEWS

We are a bit broken-hearted to share the news that pioneers of artisan cheesemaking in New Zealand, Jane and Miles King of Kingsmeade Dairy, are closing their business after decades of making our lives better. They carved a path in bringing better cheese to the people, but they also developed their own recognised sheep bred, known as Dairymeade. Miles and Janet have made a big impact to Artisan Cheese in New Zealand. We will all miss their gourmet cheese, but also their good hearts. Miles and Janet are off to enjoy retirement closer to their children. Please enjoy one last cheese from them in this box.

The good news is that this month we introduce you to another new cheesemaker. Spring Sheep Milk Co. is dedicated to sustainable practices and the very best milk and techniques to deliver us some outstanding sheep milk cheese. Please enjoy this brand new cheese!

SOUTHERN LIGHTS – FROM SPRING MILK SHEEP CO

A pale white creamy Havarti with little eyes and no obvious rind, this is a mellow, sweet and buttery cheese with a slight savoury finish typical of the style. Match it with a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, a balanced IPA, or a Kawakawa kombucha. It goes well with crisp fruits like apples or pears and maybe some walnuts.

Region: Waikato. Type of milk: sheep

DANBO – FROM HOHEPA CHEESE

Multi award-winning cheese maker Hōhepa never disappoints. A milder version of Emmental developed in Demark, Danbo is pale with a pleasant aroma and tastes slightly sweet and nutty. It ages well and is perfect in a regular sandwich. Match it with a cider, a pinot gris, an oaked chardonnay or chianti, a NZ amber or brown ale.

Region: Hawkes Bay. Type of milk: cow

MANCHEGO – FROM KINGSMEADE CHEESE

We are so going to miss this classic Spanish-style semi-hard cheese from Miles and Janet, the last batch made in their Masterton cheese factory. Pair it with a Chardonnay, Malbec, a MacLeod’s Brown Porter, or a low-tannin green tea, and some fresh figs.

Region: Wairarapa. Type of milk: sheep

BAY BLUE – FROM EVANDALE CHEESE

A Roquefort style blue that is smooth and creamy with a full flavour but not sharp like some Danish styles. It makes an outrageously good toasted sandwich and matches well with a Riesling or a Sauterne, an IPA or Porter, or a non-alcoholic cider.

Region: Otago. Type of milk: cow