The Cheesemonger’s Notes
A powerful, long-matured farmhouse cheese with exceptional depth, balance, and lingering complexity
Vintage Lincolnshire Poacher is a taste-selected, clothbound cheese made by Simon Jones on his family farm on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Crafted using milk from the farm’s own herd and matured for an extended period of 18 to 22 months, it represents the fullest expression of this celebrated British farmhouse cheese.
Every batch of Lincolnshire Poacher is first assessed at around 12 months of age, when the cheesemakers decide whether it will be released as the classic Poacher or selected for further maturation as Vintage. Only cheeses with the structure, balance, and potential for greater development are chosen to continue ageing, allowing deeper flavour and complexity to emerge over time.
The texture is firm and dense yet smooth, breaking cleanly while retaining a satisfying creaminess on the palate. Extended maturation allows the cheese to develop remarkable depth, with rich savoury character balanced by subtle sweetness and a long, lingering finish.
The flavour is bold and layered. It begins with nutty, savoury richness before revealing deeper caramelised notes and gentle sweetness that emerge with age. The finish is exceptionally long and smooth, offering both intensity and refinement. Seasonal variations in milk, pasture, and maturation conditions ensure each batch carries its own unique nuance, reflecting the living nature of true farmhouse cheesemaking.
Made on chalk-rich pastureland where dairy farming is rare, Vintage Lincolnshire Poacher reflects both the land and the dedication of the Jones family, who have farmed here since 1917. Their commitment to using milk exclusively from their own herd and maturing the cheese with patience and care results in a cheese of exceptional quality and character.
Cut to order at The Norfolk Deli, every piece is prepared fresh to ensure optimal flavour and condition.
Perfect Pairings
• Apple chutney or savoury preserves
• Crusty sourdough or oatcakes
• Full-bodied red wines
• Traditional farmhouse cider
Ideal Uses
• A powerful centrepiece cheese for a cheeseboard
• Perfect for ploughman’s lunches
• Excellent grated into savoury dishes
• Enjoyed simply to appreciate its full complexity
Why We Stock It
Vintage Lincolnshire Poacher represents the pinnacle of traditional British farmhouse cheesemaking. Carefully selected and matured for up to 22 months, it delivers remarkable depth, balance, and character.
It is cheeses like this that demonstrate why traditional clothbound British cheeses remain among the finest in the world.
Not sure if this is the right cheese for you?
Read our Hard Cheese Guide or learn how to talk to your cheesemonger
