Orange and Whiskey: Britain's Most Unique Cheddar

Picture this: you're hosting friends for dinner, and someone asks about the incredible cheese they've just tasted. That moment of pride when you tell them it's our Orange and Whiskey cheddar, crafted right here in Cheshire, never gets old. At Steve's Cheese, we've spent years perfecting this extraordinary blend, and I'm thrilled to share why it's become one of our most celebrated creations.

The Story Behind Our Orange and Whiskey Cheddar

When we started Steve's Cheese back in April 2019, my son Tom and I knew we wanted to push boundaries whilst respecting traditional cheese-making values. With over 40 years of experience in the fresh food industry, I've always believed that the best innovations come from understanding classics first.

Our Orange and Whiskey cheddar represents exactly that philosophy. We begin with our premium mature cheddar, aged to perfection in the rolling hills of Cheshire. Then comes the magic: we carefully infuse each wheel with natural orange essence and just a dash of quality whiskey. The result? A cheese that's both familiar and surprising, traditional yet innovative.

What Makes This Flavour Combination So Special

The marriage of orange and whiskey in cheese isn't just about novelty, it's about balance. The citrusy brightness of orange cuts through the rich, creamy texture of our mature cheddar, whilst the whiskey adds a warm, sophisticated depth that lingers pleasantly on your palate.

We've found that the orange brings out the natural tang in our cheddar, creating layers of flavour that unfold as you eat. Meanwhile, the whiskey doesn't overpower, instead it provides a gentle warmth that complements both the cheese and the citrus notes perfectly.

Many customers tell us they expected something gimmicky but found something genuinely sophisticated instead. That's precisely what we aimed for when developing this unique variety.

The Art of Infusing Flavours Into Cheddar

Creating flavoured cheese is far more complex than simply mixing ingredients together. At our Cheshire facility, we use traditional techniques combined with careful innovation to ensure every bite delivers consistent quality.

The timing of when we introduce the orange and whiskey is crucial. Too early in the aging process, and the flavours become muted. Too late, and they don't integrate properly. We've spent months perfecting this timing, ensuring that each wheel develops its character naturally.

Our mature cheddar provides the perfect base because its firm texture holds the infused flavours beautifully without becoming soggy or losing its structural integrity. The aging process we use allows the orange and whiskey to become part of the cheese rather than just sitting on top of it.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

One question we get constantly at food festivals and country shows across the UK is: "How do you serve Orange and Whiskey cheddar?" The beauty of this cheese lies in its versatility.

For cheese boards, we recommend pairing it with crackers that won't compete with its unique flavour profile. Simple oatcakes work wonderfully, as do plain water biscuits. The cheese itself provides all the excitement you need.

If you're planning a dinner party, try melting thin slices over warm crusty bread. The heat releases the orange oils and whiskey aromatics, creating an incredible sensory experience for your guests. We've also seen customers use it in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with remarkable results.

For wine pairings, consider a medium-bodied red wine that won't clash with the citrus notes, or even a quality whiskey that echoes the cheese's spirit infusion. The combination creates a sophisticated tasting experience that showcases British artisan food at its finest.

Why Choose Artisan Over Mass-Produced

When you visit our website at Steve's Cheese, you'll notice something different about our approach. We're not trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, we focus on creating exceptional cheeses in smaller batches, ensuring quality control that simply isn't possible in mass production.

Our Orange and Whiskey cheddar exemplifies this philosophy. Each wheel receives individual attention during the infusion process. We can adjust flavour levels, monitor aging progress, and ensure that what reaches your table meets our exacting standards.

This artisan approach means our cheeses often sell out, but it also guarantees that when you purchase from us, you're getting something truly special. We'd rather disappoint someone by being temporarily out of stock than compromise on quality.

The Perfect Gift for Cheese Enthusiasts

We've found that our Orange and Whiskey cheddar makes an exceptional gift, particularly for people who think they've tried everything. At £5.50 per portion, it's affordable enough for regular enjoyment yet special enough to feel luxurious.

Our cheese gift boxes often feature this variety alongside our other unique creations like Charcoal Cheddar and Tom's Tuscany Treat. The combination gives recipients a real journey through innovative British cheese-making.

Many customers tell us they've given our gift sets to friends who initially seemed sceptical about flavoured cheeses, only to receive enthusiastic requests for more. That's the power of quality ingredients combined with skilled craftsmanship.

Supporting British Artisan Food

When you choose our Orange and Whiskey cheddar, you're supporting more than just a small business. You're backing British artisan food production, sustainable practices, and the preservation of traditional cheese-making skills that have been refined over generations.

We source our milk from local Cheshire farms, supporting the agricultural community that has made our county famous for cheese. The orange and whiskey we use come from reputable British suppliers who share our commitment to quality.

This local approach means shorter supply chains, fresher ingredients, and a smaller environmental footprint. It also means we can maintain the personal relationships with suppliers that ensure consistent quality in every batch we produce.

Experience the Difference Today

Our Orange and Whiskey cheddar represents everything we stand for at Steve's Cheese: innovation rooted in tradition, quality over quantity, and flavours that surprise and delight. Whether you're planning a special dinner, looking for the perfect gift, or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this unique cheddar delivers.

Visit our online store today to order your Orange and Whiskey cheddar. With our commitment to exceptional customer service and careful packaging, we'll ensure it arrives in perfect condition, ready to become the star of your next culinary adventure.

Tom and I are proud of every cheese we craft, but there's something particularly special about watching people taste our Orange and Whiskey cheddar for the first time. That moment of surprise, followed by genuine appreciation, reminds us why we do what we do. We can't wait for you to experience it yourself.