Coolattin Cheddar Crowned Best Irish Cheese
Santina KennedyCoolattin Cheddar: Ireland’s Champion Cheese Shines Again
Irish cheesemaking has achieved global acclaim, and Coolattin Cheddar from County Wicklow has once again led the charge. At the 2024 World Cheese Awards, their Mount Leinster Clothbound Cheddar was crowned Best Irish Cheese for the second consecutive year. Held in Portugal at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Viseu, this competition is the world’s largest cheese-only event, with nearly 5,000 cheeses from 47 countries judged by 240 experts from 39 nations.
Mount Leinster Clothbound impressed the panel with its complex flavour, rich aroma, and perfect texture. Crafted in Knockeen, West Wicklow, this cheddar is made with raw cows’ milk and traditional animal rennet, matured for 14 months to develop its exceptional taste. Tom Burgess, founder of Coolattin Cheddar, expressed pride in defending the title, saying, “I always knew my cheese was the best, but it’s great to see somebody else think so too.”
Coolattin Cheddar’s win highlighted a strong performance by Irish cheesemakers, who earned 14 awards in total, including two Golds, six Silvers, and six Bronzes. This achievement reinforces Ireland’s reputation as a hub for exceptional artisan cheese, blending tradition with innovation.
The World Cheese Awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, is renowned for its rigorous judging process. Cheeses are evaluated on criteria such as the appearance of the rind and paste, aroma, texture, flavour, and mouthfeel. The competition attracts global industry leaders, including technologists, graders, chefs, buyers, and journalists.
The success of Mount Leinster Clothbound is rooted in the lush pastures of West Wicklow and the dedication of Tom Burgess. Visitors to the Coolattin farm often praise the meticulous care taken at every stage of production, from raising a happy herd to crafting and maturing the cheddar.
Wicklow Naturally, the region’s food and drink network, is rightly proud of its member Coolattin Cheddar. The network often organises farm tours of Wicklow for food enthusiasts, academics, and journalists, and frequently include a stop to Coolattin Cheddar. Darina Allen, a celebrated chef, journalist, and owner of Ballymaloe Cookery School, visited the farm and was highly impressed by the quality of the cheese and the passion behind its creation. Regarded as one of Ireland’s leading voices on food, her enthusiasm for the cheese underscores Coolattin Cheddar’s excellence.
Last year, the farm hosted a delegation from Food on the Edge, an international symposium on sustainable food production. Visitors consistently leave inspired by the combination of traditional cheesemaking techniques and Tom’s commitment to sustainability.
Coolattin Cheddar’s repeated success demonstrates the global appeal of Irish artisan cheese. For travellers, a visit to the Coolattin farm offers more than just a taste of award-winning cheese—it’s an opportunity to experience Irish food heritage up close.
Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply curious about Irish artisan food, Mount Leinster Clothbound Cheddar showcases the best of Irish cheesemaking, proving once again why it’s a world-class product.
