Cheshire

The U.K.’s oldest cheese, Cheshire pre-dates the Romans. It was cited in the Domesday Book, the 11th century census of William the Conqueror; and Boswell and Johnson’s favorite pub was named for it (the Olde Cheshire Cheese).

Often compared to Cheddar, Cheshire is drier than Cheddar and always crumbly. It’s usually dyed orange, though some farmers make it in its natural off-white. It occasionally comes in a blue-veined variety.

PAIRINGS: Classic Cheshire is slightly salty, but with a more prominent savory taste than Cheddar. It works any way you’d serve Cheddar, and is the traditional cheese used in Welsh rarebit. Drink British ale with it, like Fuller’s ESB.