The Bear - Take Home Notes

Christmas Cheese Board

#1: Smoked Lincolnshire Poacher

Is this the SMOKIEST? It’s certainly one of the punchiest smoked cheeses we could find! Lincolnshire Poacher is one of our favourites – and packs a great punch already, but with the addition of the smoke it becomes a true belter. The cheese spends a full 24 hours in the Smokehouse! (nV+nP)

#2: Cropwell Bishop Blue Stilton

Was named Supreme Champion at the 2025 Virtual Cheese Awards. This prestigious award was given for its rich flavour and hand-made quality, which judges described as having a ‘brothy, marmite flavour’. The blue is punchy and spicey, without overpowering, the finish is creamy and rich, with a range of textures as the cheese melts on the tongue.  (V+P)

#3: Red Storm

This is a modern take on the famous Red Leicester. Made by the wonderful Snowdonia Cheese Company – who you might know for Black Bomber - this ‘redefines what you would expect from a Red Leicester’ – from WALES! Punchy, full-flavoured with all the characteristics people love - it’s a big Christmas sack of everything people love about cheese! (V+P)

#4: Lancashire Bowland

A fabulous traditional Lancashire cheese - crumbly, lactic, smooth and delicious, then add apples, raisins and cinnamon (!) until you get a cheese that is more like cake than cheese! Rich, sweet, with dried fruits and orchard apple, good hit of cinnamon bringing warmth and festive vibes….   (V+P)

#5: Montgomery Extra Mature

Full of creamy, rich, umami, gorgeous mouthfeel and crumbly-to-soft textures… a delight to explore the shift in profile from rind to centre - from the dark, cavey, earthiness to supple sweetness... Won Best Cheddar at the 2025 Virtual Cheese Awards, placing 3rd overall in the competition. The cheese, made by J.A.E. Montgomery Ltd. in Somerset, was also named Best Traditional Extra Mature Cheddar in a 2025 Good Food Magazine article and praised for its nutty, spicy, and complex flavor profile. (nV+nP)

#6: Délice de Bourgogne

A French cow’s milk cheese from the Burgundy region of France. It was first created in 1975 by Jean Lincet at Fromagerie Lincet. It’s a triple cream cheese! EXTRA double cream is added during the cheese-making process. Hailing from the stunning Burgundy region of France, this isn't just cheese, this is pure, unadulterated indulgence. Start the Christmas excess NOW! Luxuriant and blooming lush!  (V+P)