I not only had the pleasure of meeting the makers, David and Jo Clarke, of this fine and beautiful cheese, but also while I was on a Cheese Journeys tour in England, they took part in my cheese portrait painting classs! I am grateful to get to eat the subject of my art but it's especially a privilege and honor to get to know the makers of it sometimes. The Clarkes are fun and charming and the kind of people I would want to be friends with on a regular basis, not to mention, they've revived part of England's culinary history that was all but lost.

Sparkenhoe is England's only unpasteurized Red Leicester (pronounced "Red Lester") cheese. These dairy farmers have only started making cheese as recently as 2005, like many farmers, to survive and add some value to their milk. Having one of the country's top herds of pedigree Holstein-Friesian cattle, helped their success and dedication to reclaim the high quality version of this traditional cheese that had become a sad supermarket commodity cheese. In fact, they are the first to recreate the original farmhouse artisanal cheese that died out in the 1950s. David told a story about a pub conversation with a guy that suggested that cheese as their first to make. Jo later admitted to balking at that idea because of the sad reputation attached to the abused cheese.
Historically, they discovered that Red Leicester had been made at their farm from 1745 until 1875.

This raw milk clothbound cave aged cheese has a deliciously mellow and full lactic flavor without any acid or tang. It's similar to cheddar in many ways while being completely distinct at the same time. The Clarkes offered to give me a big quarter wheel they had brought with them and I foolishly declined the opportunity with thoughts of luggage weight and customs regulations. FortunatelyI was able to stow away a few wedges of it for the trip home. I know I can often buy this at Di Bruno Bros in Philly, but it means a little more knowing they personally picked this wheel and practically handed it to me. I absolutely love this cheese and hope to paint it again! (much bigger)

Country of Origin: England, UK

Availability: sold