Lanark Blue Cheese

Lanark Blue is a distinguished semi-soft, artisan blue-veined cheese hailing from Scotland, crafted exclusively from sheep's milk. This cheese is celebrated for its rich, creamy texture and striking blue veins that meander through its pale ivory body. Lanark Blue is a testament to the art of traditional cheesemaking, offering a complex flavor profile that balances the tanginess of blue cheese with the subtle sweetness of sheep's milk. Its rind is natural, often showcasing a rustic, slightly rugged appearance that hints at its artisanal roots. Lanark Blue is a versatile cheese, equally at home on a cheese board as it is melted into a dish, making it a favorite among cheese aficionados.

Lanark Blue cheese was first created in the 1980s by Humphrey Errington, a pioneer in reviving traditional Scottish cheesemaking techniques. Inspired by the French Roquefort, Errington sought to produce a blue cheese using the rich, flavorful milk of Scottish sheep. Despite initial challenges, including a legal battle over the use of unpasteurized milk, Lanark Blue has become a celebrated part of Scotland's cheesemaking heritage. It represents a successful blend of traditional methods and innovative techniques, contributing to the renaissance of artisan cheese production in Scotland.

Lanark Blue is made from the milk of Lacaune sheep, a breed known for its high-quality milk. The milk is gently pasteurized before being inoculated with Penicillium roqueforti, the mold responsible for the cheese's characteristic blue veins. The curds are then hand-ladled into molds, a process that ensures the cheese retains its moisture and develops a creamy texture. After molding, the cheese is aged for several months in carefully controlled conditions, allowing the flavors to deepen and the blue veins to develop. The aging process is crucial, as it balances the cheese's tanginess with its inherent sweetness.

Lanark Blue offers a complex flavor profile that is both tangy and sweet, with a creamy, slightly crumbly texture. The blue veins contribute a sharp, piquant flavor that is balanced by the rich, buttery notes of the sheep's milk. The cheese has a lingering finish, with a subtle earthiness that adds depth to its overall taste. Its aroma is distinctly tangy, with hints of grass and nuts, reflecting the natural diet of the sheep.

Lanark Blue pairs beautifully with a variety of foods and beverages. For a traditional pairing, serve it with honey and walnuts to complement its tangy sweetness. It also pairs well with crisp, dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity red like Pinot Noir. For beer enthusiasts, a stout or porter can match the cheese's richness. Lanark Blue is also excellent in salads, melted over steaks, or crumbled into soups for added depth of flavor.