Old Winchester

Old Winchester is a hard, pasteurised cow's milk cheese from Lyburn Farm in Wiltshire, England, often aged for around 18 months. Inspired by Gouda cheesemaking techniques but with a character all its own, it develops a deep, complex flavour profile that starts with a cheddar-like tang and evolves into notes of caramel, butterscotch, and a savoury broth, sometimes with smoky hints. Its texture is firm and often features delightful crunchy tyrosine crystals, indicative of its aging. Because it's made with vegetarian rennet, Old Winchester is frequently used as a British alternative to Parmesan, offering a robust and nutty flavour that's excellent for grating, shaving, or enjoying as part of a cheeseboard.