I was given a sample of Cheddar, Isle of Man Vintage Cheddar. Actually, it was supposed to go to a co-worker, but I got anxious and cracked into it myself. It's from the group "Cheeses of the Isle of Man."

Where is this Isle of Man? I think I heard of it once in a Beatle's song. I know of the Isle of Wight, "if it's not too dear" (in the German teuer/expensive sense.)

This Isle of Man is floating out somewhere near Ireland, in the Irish sea between Liverpool and Belfast. To me, it tastes more Irish than West Country British, but is a pleasant blend of both styles and nicely aged.

I'm glad I'm hogging it all to myself! The rep said it was aged at least 20 months, but the web says more like 24+ months. It has all that little tingly crunch that is so great in a creamy cheddar. It seriously melts in your mouth, but leaves little morsels of crystals behind, and it has this flavor of "oh do I feel like being sharp today, or not?" It just hangs out and lets you decide.

For me, today, it's not sharp. It's buttery, slightly grassy, sweet, then almost nutty and smokey, but it doesn't make my ears itch like a burning mountain cheese. This is is one of those cheeses that will make you see tiny flashy visions of lying in the grass peacefully until some hungry bovine comes along and nudges you away--as you may be resting in her favorite feeding bed. Or who knows? You could be awakened by an ancient viking or Celtic druid...or a modern dairy farmer whose English no American can comprehend.



Don't worry. The cow will not only protect; she'll compensate later for your inconvenience with some great cheese!

The Cheese Mistress
http://www.cheesemistress.com