Located in the idyllic South West England, the English cheese farm is a treasure trove for every cheese connoisseur. And one of its hidden gems is the Rustic Red by Westminster – a cheese made from the milk of Holstein Friesians, ripened by accident, perfected by passionate artisans, and cherished by cheese lovers worldwide.

The Happy Accident

Trace the lineage of Rustic Red, and you encounter a serendipitous mishap. During a typical batch pressing of Double Gloucester, a worker allegedly added a tad too much of Annatto-Achiote paste. Instead of fretting over this unexpected turn of events, the cheesemakers embraced it. The result was a cheese steeped in goodness with a delightfully ruddy hue. Thus was the birth of Rustic Red – a fortuitously tasty mishap.

While your senses engage with the Rustic Red''s crumbly, creamy texture and nutty, smooth flavor, the lingering light caramel and fruity undertones would transport you to the English pasturelands. A key ingredient to note is Annatto-Achiote. It''s a natural colorant sourced from tropical Achiote tree seeds that gives Rustic Red its signature hue, all the while respecting the vegetarian rennet rule setup by Westminster.

Pro Pairing Tip

It''s an art to discern the right pair that enhances the Rustic Red''s character. Blend it with a full-bodied Merlot or a stout beer to complement its sweet notes. Thought about a snack duo? Try it with candied pecans or apple slices. Explore pairing possibilities until you find your ideal tango.

A Tale of Westminster and Terroir

The Rustic Red is a living testament to Westminster''s dairy tradition that traces back to the 19th century. It speaks of Edward Sparkes'' legacy, who in 1833 pioneered the concept of ''farmhouse cheese.'' The Rustic Red, like its siblings in the Westminster family, carries forward the legacy, embracing the intricacies of English terroir. The ''terroir'' - a French term referring to environmental factors affecting the crop''s traits, is inherent in Rustic Red''s taste profile articulated by the region''s climate, soil, and feeding habits.

Rustic Red is available for cheese-lovers and those curious to taste in our beloved Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Make your way to Murray''s Cheese inside of the City Market grocery store and discover the allure of Rustic Red.

Wrapping Up the Ruddy Wonder

Perhaps, the next time you taste a sliver of Rustic Red, remember the blend of serendipity, traditional recipes, and terroir that crafted this cheese. It’s not just a cheese, but a tangible tale of English heritage.

Sources & Further Reading

1. Westminster Dairy - ''Westminster Rustic Red''
2. Murray''s Cheese - ''Rustic Red by Westminster''
3. All About Annatto - ''Annatto–Achiote Paste: The Cheese Colorant''
4. The Wonders of Terroir - ''Terroir’s Effect on Cheese''