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In this episode of Curd Is The Word, Brittany sits down with Nick Bayne, Head Cheesemonger at the Fine Cheese Company in Bath, England, to talk all things Baron Bigod — the British bloomy-rind cheese that looks like a brie but absolutely is not.

They dig into Nick’s journey from actor to cheesemonger, why raw milk cheese imports are currently restricted in the UK, and how Baron Bigod came to be through thoughtful farming, Montbéliarde cows, and a deep respect for land stewardship. Nick breaks down what makes Baron Bigod so unique: its thin wrinkled rind, even breakdown, savory depth, and why it avoids the bitterness common in modern brie-style cheeses.

If you’ve ever written off brie as “boring,” this episode will change your mind.

References:

Cheese

• Baron Bigod

Websites

• https://fenfarmdairy.co.uk/pages/about
• https://www.finecheese.co.uk/products/baron-bigod

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In this episode, we dive into Havilah, an award-winning Alpine-style cheese from New Jersey made by Cherry Grove Farm. Crafted from raw, pasture-based Jersey cow’s milk, Havilah reflects the seasonality, terroir, and careful cheesemaking that have earned it national and international recognition, including wins at the World Cheese Awards.

You’ll hear a full tasting breakdown—bright citrus and pineapple, toasted nuts, savory roast notes, and a caramel-like finish—along with pairing ideas ranging from wine and beer to cocktails and non-alcoholic options.

I also share personal anecdotes from my time working with Cherry Grove, offering behind-the-scenes insight into the farm, the milk, and what makes this cheese so distinctive. Whether you’re a cheese professional, food lover, or just curious about American artisan cheese, this episode is a deep, delicious look at one of New Jersey’s true standouts.

🧀 Cherry Grove Farm – Official Sources
https://www.cherrygrovefarm.com/
https://www.cherrygrovefarm.com/shop-all/p/havilah
https://www.cherrygrovefarm.com/our-farmstead-cheeses

Other
Floral Fromage – Cherry Grove Farm Havilah listing:
https://www.floralfromage.com/product-page/cherry-grove-farm-havilah
Edible Jersey – Cherry Grove Farm feature / holiday cheese boards:
https://ediblejersey.ediblecommunities.com/shop/shop-fresh-cheese-cherry-grove-farm-lawrenceville/

NJ Cheese Guild: https://www.njcheeseguild.org/

Pairings
https://www.karmakrackers.com/product/obsessed-onion/
hhttps://spread-mmms.com/

🏆 Awards Referenced
World Cheese Awards (general site):
https://worldcheeseawards.com/
Good Food Foundation (Good Food Awards):
https://goodfoodfdn.org/
American Cheese Society Awards:
https://www.cheesesociety.org/awards/

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If there’s one cheese that deserves a spot on every holiday table, it’s Trader Joe’s Creamy Toscano soaked in Syrah. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why this wine-washed beauty has become a cult favorite—and why it might just be your new December must-have. We’ll talk about what Toscano cheese actually *is*, how Syrah transforms its flavor, and why the pairing works so shockingly well.

I’m also digging into how Trader Joe’s sources cheeses like this (yes, small makers really are involved), plus a little cheese-world lore, fun facts, and everything I’ve learned from tasting this one for years.

Then we get into the good stuff: holiday pairings that make this cheese shine on festive boards, and—because balance—my “girl dinner/rat in the kitchen” pairings for the nights when you’re eating cheese straight from the fridge while wrapping presents.

Whether you’re building a party board or sneaking a midnight snack, this is the cozy, wine-soaked cheese episode you didn’t know you needed.

References:

Cheese
Creamy Toscano Soaked in Syrah

Pairings
Meia-Dúzia spreads from Portugal
Au Honey
Blake's Chocolate

Websites
Syrah - Wine Folly
Syrah Soaked Toscano Cheese Spread & Dip - Trader Joes
Say cheese! A quick tour through Tuscan cheeses - Visit Tuscany