Balderson Royal Canadian Cheddar - Aged 2 Years
Balderson Cheddar is a made by the Balderson Cheese Company in Winchester, Ontario. Balderson is respected as a quality maker of Cheddar cheese in Canada. Their cheese is well distributed and can be found in nearly every grocery store that I can recall.
The Balderson story begins in 1881 when dairy farmers in Lanark County, Ontario, formed a dairy collective to pool their milk and produce cheddar cheese in a cooperative factory. The factory was built at Balderson Corners named after John Balderson, a British army sergeant who homesteaded in the area in the 1860s. The Balderson cheese reputation has grew steadily over time and is currently a leading (or possibly the leading) brand of cheddar in Canada.
This review is for the Balderson Royal Canadian Cheddar which is aged two years.
Balderson offers their cheddar at different stages of aging. Their premium series includes cheese aged as little as 3 months (mildest) and ranging to 18 months. The cheddar becomes drier, sharper and more expensive with age. The Premium Aged series ranges from 2 to 6 years.
Balderson Aged 2 Year Cheddar with Daelie's Biscuits
I like the Balderson Royal Canadian Aged Two Year Cheddar because, in my opinion, it is the “sweet spot” on the aging scale. At two years the cheese has developed a mild bite and some depth but it well balanced with the milky, smooth cheddar flavour. The Balderson website suggests that their two year cheddar is the best all purpose cheddar for recipes … I would agree. It is my cheese of choice for home made mac and cheese, cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. The Balderson 2 year cheddar is a wonderful snacking cheese . It is a staple in our house … a favourite of my wife and kids.
Kathy Guidi, author of Canadian Cheese – A Pocket Guide, says “Balderson is the benchmark for Canadian Cheddar, our Cheddar PDO” . Canada does not yet have a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) but if they did I expect Balderson would be making application.
The Verdict: Balderson Royal Canadian Chedder Aged 2 Years is a recommend.
I live in the US, so I don’t know that we have access to that stuff here, but it sounds lovely. There’s a cheddar that’s been aged 3 years that I pick up every so often (because it’s kinda pricey). It’s definitely drier and it is starting to get crystals in it, just a little bit. It’s not really a cheddar that I’d use in a meal. That’s my fancy-pants canape cheddar.
What cheddar do you get and where do you get it? I want to try some fancy cheese!
Kerrygold Dubliner with Stout. I picked it up at Whole Foods at the cheese counter. A little bit goes a LONG way. I would ask to try some first before you buy. It’s very strong.
Have bought this cheese regularly for the past 2 or 3 years. Last month I bought a brick at Costco and when I opened it, it seemed wet and slippery.I started using the cheese as usual but the slimy feel on the outside did not seem right.The cheese then seemed to develop a tangy taste. I left it in sealed plastic bag in the refridgerator for the next two weeks and just now pulled it from the fridge and it had turned a strange brown colour. It is now in the garbage.
My question to you is should I be still using this cheese and is it safe?
I have never had a cheese do what you describe. It sounds like something is not right. Personally, I would not eat it. I suggest you contact Balderson directly with your question. Please let us know their response in case somebody else has a similar experience.
Balderson is one of the most consistent and reliably aged cheddars in the country so I am wondering if this particular block received some abnormal temperatures during transportation or storage. Don’t hesitate to contact Balderson at http://www.baldersoncheese.ca. As lovers of great cheeses, we always want to hear from our customers.
Your Royal Canadian Cheddar has a crush on me…it just won’t leave me alone.
What is a good relaxing drink to serve with your Aged Cheddar?
I’m thinking Port Wine.
Port is a great pairing with Cheddar cheese. I’m not a pairing pro but try this web site for other pairing suggestions.
http://www.winedin.com/pair_food_wine.php
Where can I pick this chesse up in the states?
Our FAVORITE cheese – we drive to canada Costco once a year to stock up on the 2year aged cheese in Vancouver. e spend about $200 a year on this delicacy!