Imagine a cheese that carries the warmth of Ireland's "Sunny Southeast" coast right to your table here in Pagosa Springs. Murray's Irish Cheddar is more than just a cheddar—it’s a vibrant taste of County Wexford’s lush pastures, crafted by a cooperative that has been part of the community since 1959.
Originating from Wexford Creamery, located in Ireland’s famed "Garden of Ireland," this cheese draws its character from a temperate Atlantic climate that bathes its pastures with consistent rainfall and more sunshine than most of the island. This unique terroir allows Friesian cows to feast on grassy fields rich in beta-carotene—a natural pigment that blesses the cheese with its signature sunny yellow hue. Unlike many American cheddars dyed with annatto, the color here is all pasture-fed goodness, reflecting the environment and diet of the cows.
From Grass to Green Wax: The Ingredients and Production
Murray’s Irish Cheddar uses milk exclusively from Friesian cows grazing on these pasturelands. The breed is prized for its balance of fat and protein—just right for cheddar-making. The milk undergoes pasteurization, which means it's gently heated (to 161°F for 15 seconds) to kill harmful bacteria without compromising the milk's essential proteins, ensuring safety for wide distribution, especially for export to the U.S. This cheese is also vegetarian-friendly, thanks to the use of microbial or fermentation-produced rennet, rather than the traditional calf-derived variety.
Aged for a minimum of 12 months, this mature cheddar undergoes the classic "cheddaring" process—where slabs of curd are stacked and turned to expel whey and acidify the cheese. The aging allows enzymes to break down proteins and fats, developing complex flavors that balance buttery richness with a distinct "bitey" sharpness. The wax-coated green rind preserves moisture and protects the cheese during shipping and storage, proudly showcasing its Irish roots.
Taste and Texture: What to Expect
What does this cheese taste like? You’re in for a treat. The flavor is grassy and buttery, with a subtle fruity sweetness reminiscent of caramel or cooked milk. While it offers that sharp cheddar bite you crave, it’s never overwhelmingly acidic. Instead, you get a smooth, creamy mouthfeel, with a firm yet velvety texture. This is cheese that slices cleanly without crumbling—a welcome contrast to drier aged cheddars.
The aroma transports you to those Irish pastures with hints of fresh hay and a slight savory tang. The higher fat content and specific fatty acids from grass-fed milk contribute to this rich sensory experience.
Pro Pairing Tip
Try pairing Murray's Irish Cheddar with a glass of Irish stout, like Guinness, to enjoy the classic dance of roasted malts and creamy cheese. Or go for an expressive Cabernet Sauvignon—the tannins cut through the richness and enhance the sharp notes beautifully. Prefer beer? An Irish Red Ale or a pale IPA will offer sweetness and hoppy freshness, respectively, both enhancing different aspects of the cheddar.
Serving Suggestions for a Local Palate
Bring together traditional Irish soda bread or hearty brown bread with this cheddar for a simple, rustic snack. For a flavor contrast, serve with sweet chutneys (think apple or tomato), crunchy pickles, or even a touch of grainy mustard. Dark chocolate and dried fruits like apricots or raisins offer unexpected but delightful complements to the cheese’s fruity undertones.
Terroir Tales: The Cooperative Spirit of Wexford
Wexford Creamery, established in 1959, is not just a factory but a community endeavor. Owned largely by the dairy farmers themselves, they ensure top-quality milk straight from pasture to production. This democratic model helps preserve traditional practices and keeps the economic benefits within the local area—a true farm-to-wheel story. Next time you're at City Market in Pagosa Springs, peek for Murray's Irish Cheddar in the cheese section—you're holding a slice of that legacy.
What to Watch For: Signs of Spoilage
While mature cheddar often shows harmless white haze (calcium lactate crystals), the green wax coating on Murray's cheddar helps keep the block pristine. Any pink, orange, or slimy molds indicate spoilage, as does a strong ammonia smell or bloated packaging. Proper storage—cool and wrapped—is key.
Experience the outstanding balance of tradition, terroir, and taste that Murray's Irish Cheddar offers. Whether melting atop your favorite Irish stew or simply sliced for a cheeseboard, it embodies the sunny spirit of Ireland’s southeast—right here in Colorado.
For the ultimate local cheese adventure, check out Murray's Cheese inside the City Market grocery store in Pagosa Springs—they keep this Irish gem ready for your next indulgence.
