Cornish Blue: A Traditional British Blue Cheese Reimagined

Cornish Blue - Featured Cheese, June 2026

Made in the rolling countryside of Cornwall by the Stansfield family at Cornish Cheese Co., Cornish Blue is a cheese shaped not only by craftsmanship, but by an unwavering commitment to quality, patience, and a deep understanding of milk.

Cornish Blue has been produced on the Stansfield’s farm on Bodmin Moor since 2001. A story that you will hear time and time again in British farming and cheesemaking, at that time milk prices had collapsed and dairy farmers were facing a struggle to survive. In the search for a new revenue stream Phillip and Carol Stansfield starting thinking about making cheese and noticed that there was no blue cheese being made in Cornwall. Phillip enrolled on a cheesemaking course at Cheshire College of Agriculture, turned a former bottling plant at the end of the milking parlour into a cheese production facility and Cornish Blue was born.

Now, in a rare and particularly exciting development for traditional cheese lovers, Paxton & Whitfield has commissioned a special batch of Cornish Blue made using animal rennet, a version not normally available.

For cheesemongers and aficionados alike, it represents a fascinating return to older methods of British cheesemaking. Available while stocks last.

Since its creation, Cornish Blue has gained acclaim for its approachable style, gentler and creamier than many traditional blue cheeses, yet still possessing enough complexity to reward experienced palates.

Cornish Blue is known for:

• A buttery, mellow texture
• Gentle blue veining
• Sweet cream notes
• Soft mineral savouriness
• A clean, rounded finish

Its balance has made it a favourite among British Cheese lovers- it was crowned Supreme Champion at the World Cheese Awards in 2010, particularly for customers exploring blue cheese for the first time.

Why This Special Batch Matters

Most contemporary British cheeses are now made using vegetarian rennet, reflecting changing consumer demand and large-scale production preferences. However, historically, animal rennet was the standard across European cheesemaking for centuries.

The specially commissioned animal rennet batch from Paxton & Whitfield offers an opportunity to experience Cornish Blue in a more traditional form, one many cheesemongers believe allows the cheese to express itself more naturally during maturation.

Animal rennet can contribute to:

• A softer, creamier breakdown
• Greater depth of savoury flavour
• Reduced bitterness over time
• A more supple, luxurious texture

For blue cheeses in particular, these nuances can profoundly influence how the paste develops as it ripens.

The result is a Cornish Blue that feels exceptionally elegant: rich without heaviness, savoury without aggression, and beautifully cohesive across the palate.

A Return to Traditional Cheesemaking

Using animal rennet is not simply a technical decision; it is also connected to broader conversations around sustainability, heritage, and responsible food production.

Traditional cheesemaking historically embraced a “nose-to-tail” philosophy, ensuring all parts of the animal were thoughtfully utilised rather than wasted. In this context, animal rennet represents a continuation of longstanding agricultural practices rooted in respect for the whole food system.

For many artisan producers and affineurs, preserving these methods is an important part of maintaining the integrity and diversity of traditional cheesemaking.

At a time when consumers are increasingly interested in provenance and authenticity, this special batch of Cornish Blue offers a rare chance to taste a cheese made closer to its historic origins.

How to Enjoy Cornish Blue

The creamy richness and balanced blue character of Cornish Blue make it wonderfully versatile on the cheeseboard.

Pair beautifully with:

• Honey or fig preserves
• Cornish Buttermilk Crackers
• Pears and fresh figs
• Monbazillac, Sauternes or noble rot wines
• Dark ales and porter

Its softer, creamier breakdown in this traditional animal rennet batch makes it particularly luxurious served simply at room temperature with crusty bread and a glass of something sweet.

The Importance of Preserving Cheesemaking Traditions

British artisan cheese continues to thrive because of producers and cheesemongers willing to champion tradition while embracing careful innovation.

This exclusive animal rennet Cornish Blue reflects precisely that spirit: respectful of heritage, attentive to flavour, and deeply connected to the craft of affinage.

For those passionate about British cheese, it offers more than rarity alone. It offers nuance, history, and a glimpse into how small decisions in cheesemaking can profoundly shape the final character of a cheese.

Sometimes tradition endures for a reason.

And in the case of Cornish Blue, it tastes extraordinarily good.