Description
Maida Vale Cheese
About Maida Vale
Maida Vale is a washed-rind cow’s milk cheese made by our friends at Village Maid Cheese here in Berkshire.
And this one is particularly local.
It’s made with rich Guernsey cow’s milk and washed during maturation with Soundwave IPA from Siren Craft Brew, another Berkshire producer based just down the road from the dairy.
The result is a wonderfully savoury cheese with a distinctive orange rind, buttery centre and just enough washed-rind funk to make things interesting.
Made of Ale
Maida Vale was first created in 2017 when the Village Maid team decided to have a go at making a washed-rind cheese.
The style has plenty of European cousins — think Munster and Taleggio — but Village Maid gave theirs a distinctly Berkshire identity by washing the rind in locally brewed Soundwave IPA.
As the cheese matures, regular washing encourages the bacteria responsible for that characteristic orange rind and unmistakable washed-rind aroma. The beer also brings subtle malty, hoppy notes to the finished cheese.
And then there’s the name.
Maida Vale.
Village Maid + Ale.
Or, as we like to explain it…
Made of Ale.
Once you know, you can’t unsee it.
Maida Vale – Jen’s Tasting Notes
Maida Vale is a great example of why you shouldn’t judge a washed-rind cheese by its smell.
The orange rind has that distinctive savoury aroma you expect from the style, but cut inside and you’ll find a wonderfully rich, buttery paste.
When it’s younger, the texture is quite firm and fudgy. As it ripens, it gradually softens and the flavours become deeper and more savoury.
I get plenty of creamy, buttery sweetness from the Guernsey milk, followed by earthy flavours and a gentle tang from the rind. There’s also a subtle maltiness which works beautifully with all that richness.
It’s got plenty of character, but it’s not one of those washed-rind cheeses that’s going to clear the room.
Pierre may consider that a missed opportunity.
How to Serve and Pair Maida Vale
- 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: We really have to start with Soundwave IPA. Pairing the cheese with the beer used to wash it makes perfect sense, and the hops and malt work brilliantly with those savoury rind flavours.
- Something a little different: English sparkling wine is fantastic with Maida Vale. The acidity and bubbles cut through the richness and leave you ready for another bite.
- On the plate: Crisp apple or pear works beautifully alongside Maida Vale. Add some good sourdough and I’d call that lunch.
- In the kitchen: Maida Vale is fantastic melted into stuffed mushrooms. That buttery paste melts beautifully and the washed rind brings far more flavour than you’d get from an everyday cooking cheese.
Jen’s note: Maida Vale has one of my favourite cheese names. “Maida” comes from Village Maid and the “Vale” is a play on the ale used to wash it. Say it out loud — “Made of Ale”. Once somebody pointed that out to me, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t spotted it sooner!
Buying Maida Vale
- Brand or Producer: Village Maid Dairy
- Product name: Maida Vale
- Milk: Cow
- Country: England
- Region: Berkshire
- Strength: Medium
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Suitable for pregnancy: No
- Allergens: MILK
Sizes and Prices
- 18og whole little cheese, £9.75
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, starter cultures, vegetarian rennet, salt
