Now in stock - limited availability
A seasonal Reblochon-style washed-rind cheese with a rich, oozing paste and flavours shaped by winter milk
Rædwald (pronounced Redwold) is a seasonal washed-rind cheese made by Fen Farm Dairy in Bungay, Suffolk, using the rich afternoon milk of their free-ranging Montbéliarde cows. Produced only between January and March, it takes full advantage of the naturally higher butterfat content found in winter milk, resulting in a cheese of exceptional richness and depth.
Inspired by the great Alpine cheese Reblochon, Rædwald represents a bold and exciting evolution from the makers of Baron Bigod. Where Baron Bigod celebrates the elegance of Brie-style cheesemaking, Rædwald explores deeper, more savoury territory—combining Alpine inspiration with the distinctive character of Fen Farm’s milk and landscape.
During its early maturation, the young cheeses are washed in natural annatto, giving Rædwald its distinctive light bronze rind. This washing process encourages the development of a thin, slightly crunchy rind that provides both texture and complexity. Beneath the surface lies a smooth, dense, and increasingly oozing paste that softens beautifully as the cheese matures.
The flavour is deeply evocative and layered. Notes of fresh hazelnuts and sweet cream are followed by savoury warmth reminiscent of smoky bacon. A subtle briny coolness evokes the nearby Suffolk coast, while deeper earthy tones—hidden fungi, mossy woodland, and wood smoke—emerge as the cheese develops. The result is a cheese that feels both grounded and expressive, capturing the essence of winter in the Waveney Valley.
Rædwald is aged on the farm for several weeks to achieve its ideal balance between creaminess and savoury depth. The use of raw Montbéliarde milk allows the natural character of the herd and pasture to shine through, giving the cheese a complexity and sense of place that cannot be replicated.
Named after the 7th-century Anglo-Saxon King of East Anglia, whose burial ship was discovered at nearby Sutton Hoo, Rædwald reflects both heritage and landscape. It is a cheese that connects past and present, tradition and innovation.
Produced only in limited quantities each winter, Rædwald remains one of the most sought-after seasonal cheeses Fen Farm Dairy has ever created.
Cut to order at The Norfolk Deli, every piece is prepared fresh to ensure optimal flavour and condition.
Perfect Pairings
• Crusty sourdough or rustic bread
• Caramelised onion or savoury chutneys
• Farmhouse ales, especially amber ales
• White Burgundy or lightly oaked white wines
Ideal Uses
• A centrepiece cheese for a seasonal cheeseboard
• Served at room temperature to reveal full texture and flavour
• Enjoyed simply with bread
• Perfect for those who enjoy Alpine-style washed-rind cheeses
Why We Stock It
Rædwald represents the next chapter from Fen Farm Dairy, the makers of Baron Bigod. By harnessing the richness of winter Montbéliarde milk and applying Alpine-inspired techniques, they have created a cheese that is both rooted in place and globally inspired.
Its seasonal nature, limited availability, and exceptional flavour make it one of the most anticipated cheeses of the year.