Quick Navigation
- 1. Historical Foundations & Terroir
- 2. Key Producers & Cheesemakers
- Orkney Cheese Company (Kirkwall)
- Grimbister Farm Cheese (Finstown)
- Westray Wife Cheese (Wilsons of Westray)
- Emerging Producers
- 3. Tasting Profiles
- 4. Where to Source & Savor
- Farm Shops
- Urban Outlets
- Restaurants
- 5. Pairing Recommendations
- 6. Video Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Orkney Cheddar vegetarian?
- Can you visit the cheese farms/dairies?
- Where is the best place to buy Orkney cheese?
- What makes Grimbister cheese different?
Orkney's cheese-making heritage combines centuries-old traditions with unique island terroir, producing world-renowned cheddars and artisanal farmhouse varieties. This trail guide explores the islands' dairy treasures through their history, key producers, tasting experiences, and perfect pairings.
1. Historical Foundations & Terroir
Orkney's cheese legacy stems from WWII-era surplus milk production for 60,000 stationed troops[2][3]. Post-1946, farmers established cooperatives like the Orkney Cheese Company, now producers of PGI-protected Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar[4][5]. The terroir features:
- Mineral-rich pastures: Deep topsoil enriched by sea iodine/sulphur[4][6]
- Gulf Stream climate: Temperate conditions supporting year-round lush grass[6]
- Unique milk profile: Stress-free Ayrshire/Holstein cows grazing near seaweed-rich coasts yield high-butterfat milk (≥48% in PGI cheddar)[4][6]
Traditional methods persist, including the dry-stir technique (continuously stirring curds pre-salting) for dense texture[4], and cloth-bound maturation in 8°C stores[3].
2. Key Producers & Cheesemakers
Orkney Cheese Company (Kirkwall)
- Scale: Processes 1,500L milk batches (1hr filling time)[3]
- Flagship Products:
- Orkney Mature Cheddar: 12-15mo maturation, closed texture[3][4]
- Smoked Cheddar: Island Smokery cold-smokes using whisky barrel oak[9]
- Flavored Variants: Garlic/chilli, red onion (collabs with Island Smokery)[3][9]
- Visits: Public viewing platform for 11AM curd-cutting sessions[3]
Grimbister Farm Cheese (Finstown)
- Heritage: Hilda Seator’s 1940s household recipe now produced by son Christopher[1][3]
- Characteristics:
- Fresh, lactic tang from 4-day maturation[3]
- Crumbly texture ideal for frying (restaurant staple)[1][3]
- Availability: Local delis & Kirkwall’s Frozen Food Centre[1][2]
Westray Wife Cheese (Wilsons of Westray)
- Artisan Profile: Washed-rind using whey from Jason/Nina Wilson's 20-cow herd[3]
- Flavors: Savory umami from 2-month cave aging[3]
- Naming: Inspired by Neolithic "Westray Wife" figurine[3]
Emerging Producers
- Burnside Cheese: Newcomer (2023) offering smoked and pepper/chive variants[7]
- The Island Smokery: Specializes in smoked Orkney Cheddar (garlic/chilli options)[9]
3. Tasting Profiles
| Cheese | Texture | Flavor Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orkney Extra Mature | Firm, silky | Sharp citrus, caramelized onion | Cheese boards[4][6] |
| Grimbister | Friable, moist | Fresh lemon, grassy undertones | Fried starters[1][3] |
| Westray Wife | Semi-soft | Farmyard funk, sweet brine | Beer pairing[3] |
| Smoked Cheddar | Dense, oily | Campfire smoke, hickory | Oatcake topping[9] |
4. Where to Source & Savor
Farm Shops
- Barony Mill (Birsay): Pair bere bannocks with Grimbister[8]
- William Shearer (Kirkwall): Stocks Westray Wife & smoked variants[3]
Urban Outlets
- Kirkwall:
- Argo’s Bakery: Smoked cheddar biscuits[7]
- Frozen Food Centre: Pattie suppers with cheese fillings[1]
- Stromness: Island Smokery factory shop (garlic cheddar)[9]
Restaurants
- Lynnfield Hotel: Cheese boards with Burnside yoghurt dips[10]
- Kirkwall/Mainland eateries: Fried Grimbister with rowan jelly[3]
5. Pairing Recommendations
| Cheese Type | Local Companion | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Mature Cheddar | Swannay Brewery’s Orkney Blast | Malt sweetness balances sharpness[8] |
| Grimbister | Stockan’s Oatcakes + crowberry jam | Crunch contrasts creaminess[1][6] |
| Westray Wife | Highland Park 12YO | Peat smoke mirrors rind funk[8] |
| Smoked Variants | Orkney Fudge Cheesecake | Sweet/smoky harmony[1][7] |
6. Video Resources
To find relevant videos, search YouTube for "Orkney Cheese Company production" or "making Grimbister cheese".
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orkney Cheddar vegetarian?
Yes, Orkney Cheddar produced by the Orkney Cheese Company uses vegetarian rennet.
Can you visit the cheese farms/dairies?
The Orkney Creamery has a viewing gallery. Visits to Grimbister Farm or Wilsons of Westray are generally not available unless by special prior arrangement.
Where is the best place to buy Orkney cheese?
For the widest selection, visit specialist delis in Kirkwall or Stromness, or the Orkney Creamery shop itself.
What makes Grimbister cheese different?
It's a fresh, unpasteurised farmhouse cheese with a short maturation, giving it a unique crumbly texture and tangy flavour, unlike typical cheddars.
Embarking on an Orkney cheese trail is a delicious way to connect with the islands' agricultural heritage and landscape. From the world-famous cheddar to unique farmhouse and artisan varieties, there's a flavour profile to suit every palate. Be sure to sample them alongside local bannocks and ales for the full Orcadian experience. Find Orkney accommodation and plan your culinary adventure.
