Long Clawson Dairy’s Supreme Triumph: A Victory for Stilton and a Call to ‘Save Our Stilton’
For over a century, Long Clawson Dairy has been synonymous with British cheese excellence, crafting some of the finest Stilton and specialty cheeses in the heart of the English countryside. Recently, the dairy achieved a remarkable milestone when its 1912 Artisan Blue Stilton was awarded the coveted title of Supreme Champion a testament to the skill, tradition, and dedication of the cheesemakers at Long Clawson Dairy. This triumph couldn’t have come at a better time, as Stilton’s prominence has faced growing competition from imported cheeses in recent years. Once viewed as a festive staple reserved for Christmas celebrations, Long Clawson Dairy’s victory is much more than an accolade—it’s a rallying cry to preserve and celebrate one of Britain’s most iconic cheeses all year round.
The Triumph of Blue Stilton
Women Talking reviews the versatility of their Blue Stilton, which is not just any cheese, its rich, creamy texture and distinctive blue veining make it one of the most unique and beloved blue cheeses in the world.
To help ignite a renewed appreciation for Stilton, Long Clawson Dairy has launched the ‘Save Our Stilton’ campaign. This movement aims to encourage cheese lovers to embrace Blue Stilton beyond its traditional role as a Christmas delicacy. Stilton’s complex flavours and creamy yet crumbly texture make it perfect for a variety of dishes—whether it’s paired with a fine wine, crumbled over a salad, or enjoyed with a savoury dessert.
Blue Stilton Cocktails: A Taste of Innovation
In a surprising and exciting twist, Long Clawson Dairy has crafted four innovative cocktail recipes featuring their Supreme Champion 1912 Stilton. These creative pairings elevate the classic cheese experience, introducing new ways to enjoy the distinctive flavours of British blue cheese. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or simply curious about how cheese can enhance your drink, these recipes are sure to inspire your taste buds.
The introduction of these cocktails highlights Stilton’s versatility and sophistication. With its bold flavours, it can be paired with a wide array of ingredients, creating unique, memorable experiences that go beyond the cheese board.
Festive Martini Garnished with Stilton Stuffed Olive
Ingredients:
70ml of Quality Vodka or Gin Rinse of Sweet Red Vermouth* Lemon Twist
Garnish: Stilton stuffed olive
1912 Stilton
Fresh olives
*a rinse is where you put a splash of vermouth in the glass, rinse it around and throw it away
Method:
Rinse your martini glass with vermouth and rub the essential oils from your lemon peel garnish around the rim and stem of the glass. Fill a mixing glass 3⁄4 of the way with ice and pour your vodka or gin in. Stir gently for around 40-60 seconds until you reach an ice-cold temperature. Garnish with your 1912 blue cheese stuffed olive. If you want to make your martini dirty, just add 5-20ml of olive brine/juice depending on how dirty you like it. To make the garnish, stuff some of your 1912 Stilton into a couple of olives, skewer with a cocktail stick (metal preferred) and place over your glass
Why it works:
The creaminess of a good quality vodka or aromatic botanicals from the gin work perfectly with the creamy savoury notes of the stilton stuffed olive. Your lemon peel garnish and aroma will bring out a vibrant zesty note which elevates the sensory elements of the experience.
Figgy Gin Sour with Stilton Stuffed Fig
Ingredients: 50ml Gin
20ml Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
2 tsp of Fig Jam
10ml of Strawberry or Raspberry Syrup 1 Egg White or 30ml of Vegan Aquafaba Garnish – Stilton stuffed fig
1912 Stilton Fresh figs
Method:
Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Dry shake (with no ice) for around 30- 40 seconds to incorporate the egg white and then wet shake (with ice) until chilled. Double strain into your coupe glass ensuring the creamy texture sits on top of the drink for visuals and taste! Pop on your stilton stuffed fig and enjoy!
Why it works:
The sweet fig and berry flavours of this gin sour work wonders with a salty-sweet stilton stuffed fig. Sweet ripe berries, figs and blue cheese have always been a match made in heaven, making this serve the perfect way to enjoy all three at once.
Bloody Mary with Stilton celery
Ingredients (serves 4)
1.5L of Quality Tomato Juice
100ml Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice 2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp black pepper
6 tsp salt
6 dashes of Worcestershire Sauce
12 Dashes of Hot Sauce
Garnish: Stilton celery
1912 Stilton
Celery sticks
Method:
Pour all your ingredients into a large jug and mix well so you can shake in batches. Take the large side of your cocktail shaker and fill it 3⁄4 with ice and the same with your Bloody Mary mixture. Shake until chilled and fine strain into your glass before adding the garnish. Make sure to stir the jug each time you shake more mixture to incorporate the flavours! For the garnish, grab a spoon and stuff the crevice in the celery sticks full of Stilton! Pop in your glass & enjoy.
Why it works:
Savoury cocktails scream for a blue cheese garnish. The ripe tomato, earthy celery and creamy stilton flavours are the perfect cocktail marriage. A sumptuous snack paired with one of the most iconic drinks in the word. Top tip: If you like it spicy, just add more hot sauce and a pinch of chilli seeds!
So, the next time you’re at the cheese counter, don’t just wait for Christmas—bring home a wedge of Blue Stilton and join the movement to ‘Save Our Stilton.’ After all, a champion cheese deserves to be celebrated every day!
Poppy Watt