Featured in our Real Cheese Club this month is Isle of Mull cheese—a clothbound cheddar made on the Isle of Mull by Brendan Reade and Steve Palmer. Crafted from raw cow’s milk and aged for 12–18 months, this Scottish farmhouse cheese is packed with character, history, and flavour.
The Dairy: Powered by Nature
The Isle of Mull Dairy is a true model of sustainability. Entirely powered by renewable energy, the cheesemakers run their operations using a hydroelectric plant (built over 15 years) and two wind turbines they constructed themselves.
In fact, waste hot water from the cheese vat even heats a custom-built indoor swimming pool, open to island residents—a testament to how deeply community and resourcefulness are woven into the making of Isle of Mull cheese.
Grain-Fed Cattle and Distinctive Flavour
One of the secrets behind the bold flavour of Isle of Mull cheddar lies in the cows’ unique diet. Thanks to a partnership with Tobermory Distillery, the herd is fed fermented grain from whisky production. This adds a rich depth to the milk and gives the cheese its distinctive sharp, savoury character.
Isle of Mull Cheese Tasting Notes
So, what does Isle of Mull cheese taste like?
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Flavour: Big, rich, sharp and deeply savoury.
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Texture: Firm, clothbound and robust.
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Style: A classic Scottish cheddar with an unmistakable punch.
This isn’t a subtle cheese—it’s made to stand out.
Perfect Pairings for Isle of Mull Cheese
When pairing this bold cheddar, you’ll want flavours that can hold their own:
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Condiments: Try it with our Driver's Real Ale Chutney or Farmhouse Pickle.
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Bread: Pair with sourdough, especially our Pain de Campagne with a touch of rye.
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Drinks: Matches beautifully with dry cider, dark ales, or medium-bodied red wines.
Why Choose Isle of Mull Cheese?
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Traditional clothbound cheddar
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Sustainably produced with renewable energy
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Unique flavour thanks to grain-fed cattle
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A true taste of Scotland’s island heritage
If you love bold, savoury cheeses, Isle of Mull is a must-try.