This month’s selection is a true British classic and a BQ favourite that has consistently been
stocked for years – Colston Bassett Stilton. Revered by cheesemongers, chefs and blue
cheese enthusiasts alike, it is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Stilton ever
produced. Rich, creamy and beautifully balanced, this exceptional cheese showcases the
very best of traditional English cheesemaking.
Made in the heart of Nottinghamshire, Colston Bassett Stilton is crafted using traditional
methods that have remained largely unchanged for generations. Produced exclusively from
locally sourced cow’s milk, the cheese is carefully hand-ladled into moulds, allowing it to
retain a remarkably open texture and develop the distinctive blue veining for which Stilton is celebrated. The result is a cheese of extraordinary depth, complexity and character.
Its ivory-coloured paste is rich and buttery, with elegant blue veins running throughout. On
the palate, Colston Bassett offers a perfect balance of flavours: creamy and mellow at first,
gradually giving way to savoury, nutty notes and a gentle blue tang. Unlike many stronger
blue cheeses, it never overwhelms. Instead, it delivers a refined richness and lingering
complexity that continues to evolve with each bite.
The creamery itself has been producing Stilton since 1913 and remains one of only a
handful of dairies licensed to make authentic PDO Stilton. Throughout its history, Colston
Bassett has earned an enviable reputation for quality, becoming a benchmark against which
other Stiltons are often judged. The dairy’s commitment to traditional techniques, combined
with meticulous attention to detail, ensures that every wheel reflects the heritage and
craftsmanship of this iconic British cheese.
Few cheeses are as versatile. Enjoy it simply with oatcakes and chutney, crumble it over
salads, melt it into sauces, or pair it with pears, walnuts and figs for a classic combination. It
is equally at home alongside a glass of Port, a rich stout, or a full-bodied red wine such as
our Cotes de Rhone where its creamy texture and savoury complexity can truly shine.
Sustainability and responsible farming are central to the creamery’s philosophy. By sourcing
milk from a close network of local farms and maintaining long-standing relationships with
producers, Colston Bassett supports both rural communities and traditional agricultural
practices. This dedication to provenance ensures that every cheese reflects the landscape
and farming heritage of the region.
This cheese well and truly deserves the spotlight, which is why we’ve picked it for this
months favourite!