The Cheesemonger’s Notes
A celebrated British Brie de Meaux-style cheese, handcrafted in Suffolk using raw milk from Fen Farm Dairy's own Montbéliarde herd
Baron Bigod is a traditional Brie de Meaux-style cheese made in Suffolk by Fen Farm Dairy using raw (unpasteurised) cow’s milk from Montbéliarde cows. It has a thin, bloomy rind and a soft, spoonable centre, with rich buttery flavours, fresh lactic brightness, and classic earthy mushroom notes
From the beginning, Fen Farm Dairy set out with a clear ambition: to create a Brie that could stand alongside—and even surpass—the great cheeses of France. To achieve this, they imported Montbéliarde cows, designed purpose-built cheese rooms, and spent years refining their methods, farming practices, and recipe. The result is Baron Bigod, now widely recognised as the finest Brie-de-Meaux style cheese made in Britain and one of only a handful in the world produced entirely by the farmer on their own land.
The cheesemaking process is rooted in tradition and precision. Each batch is made by hand early in the morning using fresh, warm milk straight from the cows. Cultures are added immediately, and the milk is gently gravity-fed into vats just metres from the milking parlour. The curds are carefully hand-ladled into moulds using traditional pelle-à-brie ladles, preserving their delicate structure. The young cheeses are then hand salted and matured for up to eight weeks in carefully controlled, cave-like conditions.
Beneath its delicate, nutty, mushroomy rind lies a smooth, silky paste that develops beautifully as it matures. The outer layer softens first, forming a golden, flowing breakdown, while the centre remains slightly firmer and fresh. The flavour is complex and refined—opening with rich cream and cultured butter, followed by gentle nuttiness, earthy mushroom notes, and a subtle citrus brightness that brings balance and elegance. As it matures, the texture becomes increasingly soft and luxurious, offering a deeply satisfying mouthfeel.
Baron Bigod is a pure expression of Fen Farm Dairy’s milk, their grazing marshland, and their dedication to true farmhouse cheesemaking. It stands as a landmark British cheese, recognised for its exceptional quality, depth, and sense of place.
Cut to order at The Norfolk Deli, every piece is prepared fresh to ensure optimal flavour and condition.
Perfect Pairings• Crusty sourdough or classic water biscuits
• Fresh figs, apples, or grapes
• Champagne or sparkling wine
• Crisp white wines such as Chablis
• A centrepiece for a cheeseboard
• Served at room temperature for full flavour and texture
• Baked whole for a rich, indulgent experience
• Enjoyed simply with bread and fruit
Baron Bigod is one of the defining cheeses of modern British cheesemaking. Made entirely on Fen Farm using milk from their own Montbéliarde herd, it represents exceptional craftsmanship, milk quality, and dedication.
Cheeses like Baron Bigod have helped redefine Britain’s reputation as a world-class cheese-producing nation.
About Baron Bigod Cheese
Is Baron Bigod Pasteurised?
No. Baron Bigod is made using raw (unpasteurised) cow's milk from Fen Farm Dairy's own herd of Montbéliarde cows.
Where is Baron Bigod Made?
Fen Farm Dairy makes Baron Bigod in Suffolk, using milk from its own Montbéliarde herd. The cheese is made and matured on the farm.
What Type of Cheese is Baron Bigod?
Baron Bigod is a Brie de Meaux-style soft cheese with a bloomy rind. As it matures, the paste develops from a slightly firmer centre into a soft, silky and increasingly spoonable texture.
What does Baron Bigod Taste like?
Expect rich cream and cultured butter, gentle nuttiness and earthy mushroom flavours balanced by a subtle citrus freshness. The flavour and texture develop as the cheese matures.
Where can i buy Baron Bigod?
You can buy Baron Bigod online from The Norfolk Deli, cut fresh to order from our cheese counter and delivered across the UK. It is also available from our deli in Hunstanton, Norfolk.
How should I serve Baron Bigod?
Take Baron Bigod out of the fridge before serving and allow it to come towards room temperature. This helps soften the texture and allows its full flavour and aroma to develop. Serve simply with good bread or crackers, fruit and your favourite chutney