Description
Snowdonia Beechwood Cheese
About Snowdonia Beechwood
Beechwood is one of my favourites from the Snowdonia Cheese Company range. Underneath that bright yellow wax is a mature Cheddar that’s been naturally smoked over beechwood, giving it a lovely smoky flavour without losing the character of the cheese underneath.
And that’s important with smoked cheese. I still want to be able to taste the cheese!
Beechwood gets the balance just right. It’s creamy, savoury and full of Cheddar flavour, with a gentle smokiness that builds as you eat it rather than taking over from the first mouthful.
The Backstory
The Snowdonia Cheese Company was founded in North Wales in 2001 and has become famous for its colourful wax-coated truckles. What began with cheeses being sold at farmers’ markets has grown into one of the most recognisable names in British cheese.
And you certainly can’t miss Beechwood.
Its bright yellow wax makes it instantly recognisable on the counter, but there’s much more to it than clever packaging.
Beechwood starts with mature Cheddar before being naturally smoked over beechwood. The idea is to add warmth and depth while still allowing the creamy, savoury character of the Cheddar to come through.
It’s a relatively simple idea, but when the balance is right, it really works.
Snowdonia Beechwood – Jen’s Tasting Notes
The first thing you notice is the smoke. It’s warm and inviting, but not overpowering — more wood fire than bonfire!
Then the Cheddar starts to come through. It’s creamy and savoury with a gentle tang, a little nuttiness and just enough sweetness to balance the smoke.
What I particularly like about Beechwood is that the two flavours work together. You don’t taste Cheddar followed by smoke; you get one lovely, rounded mouthful.
It’s also a great introduction for anyone who thinks smoked cheese might be too strong. There’s plenty of flavour here, but it doesn’t bash you over the head with it.
How to Serve and Pair Snowdonia Beechwood
- Make sure you take it out of the fridge a good hour before you want to eat it so it can come up to room temperature.
- Classic pairings: This is one of those cheeses where I’d happily choose beer over wine. A malty amber ale works brilliantly with the smoke and brings out the sweeter notes in the Cheddar.
- Something a little different: If you’d rather have wine, try a fruity, medium-bodied red. You want enough flavour to stand up to the smoke without overpowering the cheese.
- On the plate: Keep it fairly simple. Crusty sourdough, red grapes and a little onion chutney are plenty.
- In the kitchen: Beechwood is brilliant melted on a burger. You get all the comfort of melted Cheddar with that extra smoky flavour — particularly good with caramelised onions.
Jen’s note: You can always spot Beechwood on our counter thanks to that bright yellow wax. I love Snowdonia’s colourful truckles — although once you’ve cut into them, remembering which colour belongs to which cheese becomes a surprisingly useful cheesemonger skill!
Buying Snowdonia Beechwood
- Brand or Producer: Snowdonia Cheese Company
- Product name: Snowdonia Beechwood
- Milk: Cow
- Country: Wales
- Region: Snowdonia
- Strength: Medium to strong
- Vegetarian: Yes (vegetarian rennet)
- Suitable for pregnancy: Yes
- Allergens: MILK
Sizes and Prices
- Available as a whole little cheese (approx. 200g), £6.50
Storage Advice
- Keep refrigerated
- Wrap in waxed paper or cling film
- Remove from the fridge before serving
- Consume within 10 to 14 days of opening
Delivery and Collection
- UK wide courier delivery
- Click and collect from our Pangbourne shop
- Free local delivery available for selected postcodes
Ingredients (Allergens are listed in capitals)
MILK, salt, starter cultures, vegetarian rennet, natural smoke
