The Cheesemonger’s Notes
Creamy, nutty blue with a mellow spice and striking orange paste
Shropshire Blue cheese is a rich, creamy British blue cheese made from cow’s milk, known for its distinctive orange colour, smooth texture, and balanced, slightly peppery flavour. Aged for up to 12 weeks, it offers a mellow yet complex taste, making it an ideal choice for cheeseboards, cooking, and those looking to explore blue cheese without overpowering intensity.
Shropshire Blue is one of those cheeses that stops people in their tracks. Visually bold, flavour-packed, and far more refined than many expect, this is a cow’s milk blue that balances richness with a gentle, peppery lift.
Crafted in the style of traditional blue cheeses, Shropshire Blue was originally developed as a variation on Stilton — with the addition of annatto giving it that unmistakable deep orange hue. The result is a beautifully marbled cheese, where vivid blue veining cuts through a smooth, creamy paste.
Aged for up to 12 weeks, it develops a full, rounded flavour. Expect a nutty depth, a savoury richness, and a mellow blue character that builds rather than overwhelms. The texture is soft and creamy, making it as enjoyable spread onto a cracker as it is crumbled over food.
This is a blue cheese for those who want flavour without aggression — approachable, balanced, but still unmistakably bold.
Perfect Pairings
- Honey or fig chutney
- Digestive biscuits or oatcakes
- Fresh pear or apple slices
- Walnuts or pecans
- Port, Sauternes, or a rich stout
Ideal Uses
- Crumbled over salads or roasted vegetables
- Melted into sauces for steak or pasta
- Added to cheeseboards for colour and contrast
- Spread onto crusty sourdough
- Paired simply with fruit and a glass of wine
Why We Stock It
Shropshire Blue delivers everything a great blue cheese should — flavour, texture, and presence — but with a softer, more approachable edge than many stronger blues. It’s visually striking, consistently excellent, and a brilliant way to introduce customers to blue cheese without overwhelming them.
