Irish Monks and Cheese While the juxtaposition sounds strange, many believe that this odd couple contributed more to civilization than any other pairing in Irish history. Some go so far as to claim that Western civilization wouldn't even exist if it wasn't for this dynamic duo. Well, such quibbling has its place in the pub, not on a website. Yet there's something to be said for the Irish monks' love of cheese - and their influence on Kerrygold Vintage Irish Cheddar.

Biblical Bookworms
Back in the 8th century, and probably before you were born, Ireland experienced a Golden Age. This was due in large part to the myriad of Irish monasteries manned by overachieving monks. While some people might have been tempted to whittle away the century loafing in bucolic bliss, these particular monks set out to save the written word. They preserved classic works by writers like Horace and Virgil and in doing so saved the Latin language. They also created an impressive manuscript called The Book of Kells, now housed at the Trinity College Library in Dublin.

So Where Does Cheese Come In?
Ah yes. So not only were these Irish monks diligent scholars, they were also avid explorers. And during their travels they learned a variety of skills, the tastiest of these being the art of cheesemaking. Once back in their peaceful Medieval abode, the monks decided to take advantage of the exquisite dairy herds at their doorstep and crank out their own cheeses. Thus the tradition of Irish cheesemaking - and the recipe for Kerrygold Irish Vintage Cheddar - was born.

Like the cheddar of the monks, Kerrygold Vintage Irish Cheddar Cheese is made with strict attention to detail. The cheese is carefully matured for at least 12 months. During this process it is continuously graded so that only the very best cheeses finally bear the "Vintage" Label. The results of such attention to detail is a connoisseurs' cheddar, with a rich, rounded flavor and firm, smooth body.

A Cheese Worth the Wait.
The true beauty of Kerrygold Vintage Cheddar is its mature flavor and unique versatility. There's just no wrong way to enjoy it. Add it to a casserole. Grate it over a salad. Slice it onto a sandwich. Pair it with a piece of warm apple pie. Whatever. The important thing is that you take time to savor it. 12 months is a long time for a cheese to mature and the flavor that results deserves its due. So treat yourself to some culinary quiet time. If the monks could take a break from saving the Western World, we're sure you can too.