Quicke’s Hard Goats’ Cheese collected the coveted Best English Cheese prize at the British Cheese Awards 2015 that took placed at the Royal Bath and West Show on 26th May.
Created at Home Farm in Newton St Cyres, Devon, Quicke’s Goats’ Cheese uses locally sourced goats’ milk and the same traditional cheesemaking methods that Quicke’s has perfected over the years. Matured for six months, the result is a pale cheese that has a wonderfully smooth, creamy texture and an almond finish.
In addition to being announced as Best English Cheese, Quicke’s also collected gold, silver and bronze medals for their Extra Mature Cheddar, Oak Smoked Cheddar and two year old Vintage Cheddar respectively.
Mary Quicke MBE is the 14th generation of the Quicke family to run Home Farm and the second generation to create multi-award-winning cheese in the farm’s dairy. Mary’s passion for her dairy herd and artisan cheesemaking methods make her a leading authority on traditional cheese production. Attending the awards ceremony on Tuesday, Mary collected the award from Daniel Hammer from Kroger.
Mary comments; “I am always filled with a sense of satisfaction and pride whenever Quicke’s is fortunate to win awards like this, especially when there is such a wealth of cheesemaking talent in the UK currently. Our goats’ cheese has really grown in popularity since collecting three gold stars at last year’s Great Taste Awards. It once again demonstrates that our dairy is able to maintain incredibly high levels of consistency – another fantastic performance from all the team!”
Quicke’s is the largest British naturally matured traditional cheddar maker, selling to wholesalers and the independent market – and to export, mainly US and Australia. The 1,500 acre farm has 500 cows grazing outside for 10-11 months of the year; the farm also grows crops to feed the cows, to sell and to support local wildlife in extensive environmental schemes. The business employs 40 people in Newton St Cyres, near Exeter in Devon.