Cheese. Inverness, Scotland

November 2020

A cheese pantry was not what I expected to find down a track off the road between Inverness airport and the city, but a welcome find it was indeed.  Entering a small cafe and delicatessen selling all manner of crackers, oat cakes and chutneys, as well as cheese toasties, cakes and coffee, I had a fantastic view of the cheese production through the glass wall.  Then it got better - hidden in the corner of the deli is a door, through which I found myself in the most incredible cheese 'cave'.  Walls and walls of cheese, both locally made and from further afield, a real cheese lover's delight!  Some of the cheeses are made on the farm, such as the 12-15 month matured Connage Cheddar, and the Connage Gouda - a deliciously rich and creamy cheese with a flavour profile unlike Dutch Gouda due to differences in the grazing land.  Connage Farm also have a smokery.  Having never heard of a smoked brie before, I had to try it.  Firmer than traditional brie but with the wonderful addition of smoky flavours, it was a real treat.  

Having spent a long time talking all things cheese with the friendly and knowledgeable staff, and laden with a basket of cheese and oatcakes, it was time to make my escape before I got tempted by yet more exciting and unusual cheese!

Find Connage Highland Dairy in Ardersier, a small former fishing village, between Inverness and Nairn. 

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