Whether you enjoy it after dinner with a glass of port, crumbled into a winter salad, or melted into a luxurious sauce for your festive beef or turkey, this blue-veined marvel is the king of Christmas cheeses.
But not all Stiltons are created equal — so here’s a guide to the very best to grace your cheeseboard this festive season.
Colston Bassett Dairy Blue Stilton
If there’s a gold standard for Stilton, this is it. Handmade in Nottinghamshire using traditional rennet and milk from local farms, Colston Bassett’s Stilton is creamy, mellow, and beautifully balanced — not too salty, not too sharp.
The texture is buttery rather than crumbly, and the flavour develops wonderfully as it warms.
Perfect with: a glass of vintage port or a drizzle of honey on oatcakes.
Stockists: Waitrose, Neal’s Yard Dairy, and The Fine Cheese Co.
Typical price: around £20–£25 per kilo.
Another Nottinghamshire legend, Cropwell Bishop is a family-run creamery producing Stilton with a slightly more robust, tangy character than Colston Bassett. It’s hand-ladled, which gives it a softer, open texture and a complex flavour that pairs wonderfully with fruit chutneys and pears.
Perfect with: figs, walnuts, or a spiced pear chutney.
Stockists: Ocado, Marks & Spencer, and direct from Cropwell Bishop.
Typical price: about £18–£23 per kilo.
Produced since 1911 in Leicestershire, Long Clawson is a consistent crowd-pleaser. Its flavour is a little saltier and bolder than some of its counterparts, making it a fine choice for cooking — think Stilton soup, blue cheese sauces, or festive canapés.
Perfect with: crusty bread and a splash of port reduction.
Stockists: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and most major supermarkets.
Typical price: £16–£20 per kilo.
Hartington Creamery Blue Stilton
Derbyshire’s only Stilton producer, Hartington Creamery revives a centuries-old local tradition. Their Stilton has a firmer body and a slightly nutty aftertaste, offering something a bit different for those who prefer less creaminess and more structure.
Perfect with: a slice of Christmas fruit cake or a tot of sherry.
Stockists: farm shops and specialist cheesemongers.
Typical price: around £22 per kilo.
Waitrose No.1 Cropwell Bishop Organic Blue Stilton
If you’d prefer something readily available yet exceptional, this collaboration between Waitrose and Cropwell Bishop is superb. Certified organic and carefully matured, it’s smooth and creamy with subtle earthy notes.
Perfect with: crackers, apple slices, or as part of a festive cheeseboard.
Stockists: exclusively at Waitrose.
Typical price: £22–£26 per kilo.
Serving Tips for Christmas Stilton
Bring it to room temperature: Allow the cheese to rest for at least an hour before serving to bring out its full flavour.
Pair it properly: Port is traditional, but try a dessert wine, barleywine, or even a hoppy IPA for a modern twist.
Store it right: Wrap it loosely in wax paper and keep it in the salad drawer of your fridge; it’ll continue to mature gently.
The Final Word
Stilton isn’t just a cheese — it’s a Christmas ritual. From the creamy Colston Bassett to the punchy Long Clawson, each has its own character and charm. So, when you’re planning your festive cheeseboard this year, make sure a wedge of proper Stilton takes pride of place.
Because no British Christmas is truly complete without it.
Incidentally, I love the lesser known White Stilton.
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