CHEESE BOX 49 –

JUNE 23

Welcome to our Cheese box 49 – June 23! 

Huge congratulations to all the winners at the 2023 NZ Champions of Cheese Awards. This event is run yearly by the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association, when cheeses are judged by a team of independent experts..

We hope you enjoy Mt Eliza’s fabulous Blue Monkey which you have in your box this month and which is one of the 2023 award winners.

BLUE MONKEY – FROM MOUNT ELIZA

Blue Monkey absolutely deserves its Gold Medal. It’s a stilton-style blue that is rich and buttery. Eat it off your fingers, and pair it well with a good Riesling or a port, an IPA, a soft single malt, or a drinking chocolate.

Region: Bay of Plenty. Type of milk: cow.

PECKHAM GOLD – FROM THE MOOODY COW

Peckham Gold is a smear ripened cheese using Peckham Apple Cider, every other day for 2 weeks. It has a lovely meaty aroma with supple velvety texture in the mouth that tastes like of tangy apples when held in the mouth. Just eat a slice, and double down with your favourite cider or apple juice, or a sour beer.

Region: Marlborough. Type of milk: cow.

BRIE – FROM EVANSDALE CHEESE

A classic brie, nice and soft with hints of mushroom and garlic. Make sure you leave it out of the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes before enjoying, then smear it on slices of baguette. With the nights getting longer, maybe look at a Pinot Noir, a Belgian Tripel, or a pear juice.

Region: Otago. Type of milk: cow.

WAINUI VINTAGE CHEDDAR – FROM BARRY’S BAY

A cheddar can become a favourite this time of the year as we adapt to cold nights. This is an excellent example of the value of ageing a cheese. Try it with a Tempranillo or a Malbec, a Saison, or an Oolong tea.

Region: Canterbury. Type of milk: cow.