Cheese lovers can go on a journey of discovery to track down flavours that will impress their tastebuds. British Cheese Week wins the support of leading manufacturers and suppliers like Paxton & Whitfield in The Mailbox and the World of Food at the House of Fraser. Customers can experience a wealth of cheeses - many supplied by H&B Foods. Commercial director Paul Brotherton reveals that many of the store's best sellers are an acquired taste. These include Stinking Bishop, which Paul says, is possibly 'the Marmite' of the cheese world. He says: "It is one of those flavours you either love or hate. There is no in-between." Paul outlines some of the favourites sold in store which shows why cheeses appeal to all tastes. STINKING BISHOP
Region: Gloucestershire, England
Milk Type: Cow's, pasteurised & unpasteurised (v) Not for the faint-hearted, this is a wonderfully eccentric cheese created by an equally eccentric, quintessential English gentleman, Charles Martell. Unlike the traditional Double Gloucester, Stinking Bishop is aromatic, pungent and oozes flavour, while the velvety, smooth interior is almost spoonable. Be careful not to discard the glistening, orange-yellow rind, as this is the best bit. This award-winning cheese is a recent invention, similar to Munster, but washed and rubbed with perry (an alcoholic drink made with a rare variety of pears called 'Stinking Bishop'). SHROPSHIRE BLUE
Region: Derbyshire/Leicestershire/Nottinghamshire
Milk Type: Cow's, pasteurised Originally produced in Inverness, Shropshire Blue was later introduced to the Stilton makers, who have taken it to their hearts. It comes from the same clover and the same milk from the black and white cows that are responsible for Stilton.The difference is the addition of annatto to the milk, creating a distinct orange colour contrasting with the royal blue of the mould. The cheese maintains its wonderful blue taste, yet there is an underlying hint of rich, buttery, burnt caramel, lifting Shropshire blue onto a pedestal. BERKSWELL
Region: North Yorkshire, England
Milk Type: Ewe's, unpasteurised (also made with Cow's and Goat's milk) (v) Berkswell sheep's milk cheese is hand made at 16th century Ram Hall, situated on the edge of Berkswell village from where the cheese takes its name.This is a firm flavoured, Manchego-type hard cheese with slightly salty undertones and a pleasing crumbly texture.Winner of several awards including a recent Gold medal at the World Cheese Awards. Ram Hall dairies are also producers of Marlow and Kelsey Lane, both soft, mould ripened cheeses. STILTON
Region: Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire; England
Milk Type: Cow's, pasteurised Long known as "The King of Cheeses", Blue Stilton is one of a handful of British cheeses granted the status of a 'protected designation origin' (PDO) by the European Commission. Only cheese produced in the 3 counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire and made according to a strict code may be called Stilton. There are just 6 dairies licensed to make Stilton. They are subject to regular audit by an independent inspection agency accredited to European standard. To be called Stilton, each cheese must: be made from one of the 3 counties above, from local milk which is pasteurised before use; be made only in the traditional cylindrical shape; be allowed to form its own crust or coat; be un-pressed; have delicate blue veins radiating from the centre; have a taste profile typical of Stilton. Stilton is matured for 9-14 weeks. CERNEY ASH
Region: Cotswolds, England
Milk Type: Goat's, unpasteurised (v) This pyramid shaped goat's cheese is an artisan product, made according to traditional French recipe for Valencay (AOC) and using the farm's own milk. Cerney Ash is a soft cheese with a mild tangy flavour. It is covered with a mix of black ash and sea-salt. It is said that Valencay was originally shaped like a perfect pyramid but after Napoleon's return from a disastrous campaign in Egypt, he stopped at the castle of Valencay and seeing the cheese that reminded him of the Egyptian pyramids, he drew his sword and chopped the top off. | 
