What does it take to be a cheese judge?

Lynher Dairies owner Catherine Mead and dairy Director Dane Hopkins both know the answer to that often asked question, having judged at both national and international level. Their senses for a great cheese are well honed!

Now chair of the Specialist Cheese Association, Catherine’s knowledge of the many different cheesemaking processes is invaluable.

“Taste, texture, aroma and appearance are four good places to start when it comes to considering a good cheese,” she explains. “A great artisan cheese has to tick all boxes. Flavour is obvious, but texture plays an important part in the enjoyment. Smell too – in some cases, the smellier the better. And not all cheeses are breathtakingly pretty, but for us, a naturally occurring mould is a beautiful thing!”