Wyke Farms Ivy’s Vintage Reserve Cheddar

Wyke Farms Ivy’s Vintage Reserve Cheddar — Description, Taste & Texture, Ingredients

Description:
Wyke Farms Ivy’s Vintage Reserve Cheddar is a premium, aged English cheddar crafted by Wyke Farms, a family‑owned cheesemaker in Somerset — the historic home of cheddar production. This cheddar is part of the celebrated Ivy’s Reserve range, named after the family’s matriarch “Grandmother Ivy,” whose recipe and cheesemaking tradition go back nearly a century. Carefully matured for up to 18 months under wood, this cheese develops deep, nuanced characteristics that reflect generations of expertise and the lush Somerset terroir. It’s also known as one of the first carbon‑neutral cheddars on the market, produced sustainably with renewable energy and mindful agricultural practices. 

Taste & Texture:
Ivy’s Vintage Reserve has a rich, complex flavor profile that balances savory depth with slightly sweet, nutty notes and a well‑rounded finish — characteristics that come from extended aging and careful selection. The long maturation gives the cheese a creamy yet firm texture, making it ideal for slicing, cubing, or grating. You may also notice tiny calcium lactate crystals, which are a natural result of aging and add a pleasant subtle crunch and extra umami dimension to each bite. This complexity makes the cheese a standout on cheeseboards but also versatile enough for elevated cooking applications. 

Ingredients:

• Pasteurised cow’s milk — high‑quality milk from local Somerset herds

• Starter cultures — live bacteria that help develop flavor and texture

• Salt — for seasoning and traditional preservation

• Rennet — natural enzyme used in traditional cheesemaking