What is the Signature Kerrygold Cheese?
For many, the name Kerrygold is synonymous with Dubliner cheese, and for good reason. This semi-hard, aged Irish cheese stands out due to its complex and distinctive flavor profile. It is often described as a hybrid, combining the sweet, nutty notes of a Swiss cheese, the sharpness of a mature cheddar, and the piquant bite of an aged Parmesan. This unique taste is not an accident but a result of a careful aging process and the specific cheese cultures used. The crumbly yet creamy texture, combined with tiny, crunchy protein crystals that form during aging, makes it a textural delight for cheese lovers.
Dubliner's versatility is one of its most celebrated features. It melts beautifully, making it an excellent choice for mac and cheese, grilled sandwiches, or gratins. Its robust flavor also stands up well on a cheese board paired with fruit, a full-bodied wine like a Cabernet, or a pint of stout. Its natural golden color is a testament to the high beta-carotene content in the milk from the grass-fed cows.
Beyond Dubliner: Exploring Other Kerrygold Cheeses
While Dubliner may be the star, Kerrygold's catalog includes a variety of other delicious cheeses, each with its own character and purpose.
Cheddar Varieties
Kerrygold's traditional Aged Cheddar is a connoisseur's choice, known for its rich, rounded flavor and smooth finish. It is aged for at least one year and graded to ensure only the best quality reaches the consumer. For those seeking an even more intense flavor, Kerrygold Reserve Cheddar is aged for an additional year, resulting in a distinctly sharper and stronger taste while retaining its characteristic richness. The company even offers unique infused cheddars, such as the Aged Cheddar with Irish Whiskey, which introduces woody, nutty undertones to the creamy cheese.
Other Notable Cheeses
- Skellig: A rich, tangy, and slightly sweet cheddar with a butterscotch-like sweetness and a crumbly texture. It's a favorite for cheeseboards and cooking.
- Blarney Castle: A mild, semi-soft cheese with a smooth, buttery texture reminiscent of a young Gouda. Its versatility makes it perfect for sandwiches, melting, or adding to a simple quiche.
- Swiss: Kerrygold's Swiss offers a mild, sweet, and nutty taste with a delicate texture and is produced from Irish part-skim milk.
- Cashel Blue: A semi-soft, creamy Irish farmhouse cheese with distinctive blue veining and a full, round flavor with a signature tang.
The Grass-Fed Difference: Why Kerrygold Tastes So Good
One of the most significant factors contributing to the superior flavor of Kerrygold's dairy products is the milk source. The cows are grass-fed and raised on family farms in Ireland, where they graze on lush green pastures for most of the year. This natural, grass-rich diet results in milk with a higher nutritional content and a richer flavor compared to milk from grain-fed cows. This richness is visibly evident in the deep golden color of the cheese, a result of the high beta-carotene levels in the milk.
A Tasting Journey: Comparing Kerrygold Cheeses
| Feature | Dubliner | Aged Cheddar | Skellig | Blarney Castle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, nutty, and sharp with notes of Swiss, Parmesan, and cheddar | Rich, rounded, and full-bodied classic cheddar | Rich, tangy, and sweet with a butterscotch hint | Mild, buttery, and slightly nutty (like Gouda) |
| Texture | Firm, crumbly, and creamy with natural protein crystals | Firm and smooth | Crumbly and savory | Smooth and semi-soft |
| Aging | Aged for a year or more | Aged for one year (Reserve is older) | Aged to perfection | Matured for 3-6 months |
| Best Used For | Cheese boards, melting, sandwiches, grated over pasta | Snacking, cooking, mac and cheese, burgers | Cheeseboards, cooking, salads | Sandwiches, melting cheese, quiche |
How to Enjoy Kerrygold Cheeses
No matter which Kerrygold variety you choose, there are countless ways to enjoy its rich flavor. Consider these ideas:
- On a Cheeseboard: Arrange an assortment of Kerrygold cheeses, such as Dubliner, Skellig, and Cashel Blue, alongside complementary items like crackers, fresh fruit, and nuts.
- Perfectly Melted: Use the Aged Cheddar or Blarney Castle for an incredibly gooey and flavorful grilled cheese, a rich fondue, or a decadent macaroni and cheese.
- As a Garnish: Grate Dubliner or Reserve Cheddar over a bowl of pasta or a rustic soup to add a layer of complex flavor.
- In Recipes: Blarney Castle is a fantastic melting cheese for quiches, while Aged Cheddar is a staple for adding creamy sharpness to sauces and bakes.
- Pair with Beverages: A full-bodied red wine or a dark Irish stout complements Dubliner's flavor profile, while a Sauvignon Blanc or Irish ale goes well with the milder Blarney Castle.
The Kerrygold Legacy
Kerrygold is an iconic Irish brand with a deep commitment to its farmers and natural, wholesome products. The co-operative model means the brand is owned by the very Irish dairy farmers who produce the high-quality milk, ensuring that the legacy of traditional Irish farming practices continues. The brand's focus on quality ingredients, particularly the grass-fed milk, is what distinguishes its butter and cheeses, giving them their characteristic rich flavor and golden hue.
Conclusion
So, what kind of cheese is Kerrygold? The answer is not singular but represents a whole family of exceptional Irish cheeses, each with its own unique character. From the hybrid complexity of Dubliner to the rich creaminess of Aged Cheddar and the mild versatility of Blarney Castle, there is a Kerrygold cheese for every palate and culinary purpose. The consistent quality and distinctive taste of each variety are a direct result of the brand's commitment to natural, grass-fed dairy and traditional Irish cheesemaking heritage, ensuring a delicious experience with every bite. To learn more about the specific cheeses and find recipes, visit the official Kerrygold website.
