Country: England, Great Britain and United Kingdom
Region: Landford
Family: Gouda
Kind: hard, artisan
Rind: natural
Texture: crystalline, dry and flaky
Color: yellow
Flavor: crunchy, full-flavored, sweet
Producer: Lyburn Farm
Synonyms: Old Smales
Description: Old Winchester, popularly known as Old Smales is a matured version of Winchester. It is a much dryer and harder cheese with a characteristic nutty flavor. Since Old Winchester is made with vegetarian rennet, the cheese is used as a common replacement for hard Italian table cheeses. The wheels are sold at 18 months age when it is full flavored with an underlying sweetness, and a crunchy finish. Old Winchester has won many awards, including Best Modern British Cheese in 2006, Reserve Champion Cheese at the Bath and West in 2007. Each year, it has been consistently winning a one, two or a three star at the Great Tate Awards.