Handmade by Jeffa Gill
Durrus is a washed rind cheese handmade by Jeffa Gill in West Cork, Ireland, using pasteurised cow’s milk.
Having studied fashion design in London and Dublin, Jeffa joined a group of creative and pioneering women. In the beginning, their collective was spearheaded by her friend, the late Veronica Steele of Milleens. Actually, Veronica Steele was the one who started experimenting with small-scale farmhouse cheese making.
Capture the beauty of West Cork
When Jeffa Gill began making cheese on her farm in 1979, her drive was to provide for her family in West Cork. Moreover, she wanted to capture the beauty of the area in her unique hand-crafted cheeses.
Actually, Jeffa created the original recipe for Durrus in 1979, inspired by the fine cow’s milk from local Friesian herds. She hand-washed each individual wheel of cheese with unique cultures from the farm.
Consequently, the wheels of cheese would develop a gorgeous pinkish rind as they ripen in their curing rooms for up to eight weeks. At that age, the cheese’s aroma is reminiscent of hay and wet soil and it has a buttery, mild and slightly acidic flavour.
How to pair Durrus
Enjoy with a Pinot Gris, IPA, Champagne or Prosecco.
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