Baron Bigod was quickly identified as the all-important fine cheese compatriot, a treasured food union that brought one of rural Suffolk's most treasured foodie heroes into Made for Drink's Thursday night fine snacking orbit.
What is Baron Bigod? It's a proud squidgy cheese in the Brie-de-Meaux style, a small batch artisanal offering that uses only the freshest morning milk from its highly prized Montbeliarde herd, because 'early hours' milk is the perfect temperature for fine cheese production.
According to the founder of Made for Drink, Dan Featherstone, "Baron Bigod has become a regular Thursday night companion on the Featherstone cheeseboard, a newfound favourite among friends and family.
"Everyone in our fine snacking huddle adores this cheese's deliciously distinct nutty rind and the fresh buttery yet earthy texture that comes complete with a discreet citrusy twang. When English Heritage challenged me to produce a cheese and onion crisp that celebrated England's finest cheese wisdom, I knew precisely who to talk to!"
This perfect marriage of like-minded food heroes means Made for Drink is aligned with a fine cheese luminary who will not only help Made for Drink press forwards within the Ontrade, indie wholesalers and discerning food halls ambitions but also grow their profile within the UK's flourishing fine deli and cheese hall estates; establishments that once-upon-a-time might have been a tad sniffy about the rethinking of the ultimate cheese & onion treat.
"When Dan from Made for Drinks got in touch with us, we were so pleased that they wanted to use our cheese to make crisps. We then got a sample back from Dan, which was the powder flavouring, before it was added to crisps, we were totally blown away! From that moment on we were all fully sold on the idea and can't wait for you all to try them.
"They are a savoury, gourmet delight that combines the creamy and indulgent flavours of the cheese with the crispy, flavourful notes of caramelised onion, resulting in a rich and irresistibly fragrant treat," says Iona , who is the Sales Manager at Fen Farm Dairy.
From an English Heritage perspective, this latest addition to their fine snacking stable hits all the right notes, adding an unmistakably gourmet twist to a 'nation favourite' whilst shining a light on yet another of our island's inspiring small food producers.
Baron Bigod Cheese & Onion crisps will be is available from June 23 onwards.
Available in 150g (£2.75) & 40g bags (£1.35).