Meet The Makers… Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses

13 March 2025 — Cheesemakers

Deep in the heart of rural Lancashire, Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses has been crafting exceptional artisan cheeses for four generations. Established in 1932 by Richard and Annie Butler, the company has evolved from its humble beginnings into one of the UK’s most renowned artisan cheese producers.

Over the decades, The Butler family have meticulously handcrafted a diverse range of cheeses, from traditional Lancashire recipes to continental-style cheeses. They are commitment to quality, ensuring that each cheese reflects the rich heritage and expertise accumulated over nearly a century.

Innovation

Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses is not just about tradition; they are pioneers in cheese innovation. Their Blacksticks Blue, often dubbed the “daddy of all blue cheeses,” boasts a creamy texture with a distinctive tang, making it a favourite among cheese enthusiasts. Another notable creation is the Button Mill, a small-batch cheese celebrated for its unique rind and delicate flavours.

Perhaps their most famous creation is the Blacksticks Cheese Easter Egg. Unfortunately due to a fire at their facilities in 2023 the egg is no longer in production, but they have since produced the Blacksticks w’egg’dge – a wonderful slice of blue cheese packaged up as an Easter gift.

These cheeses exemplify the company’s ability to blend traditional methods with modern tastes.

Sustainability

A cornerstone of Butlers’ philosophy is their commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. They pride themselves on using milk sourced from within a 10-mile radius of their dairy, often from farms that have been in the family for over a century. This dedication ensures freshness and supports the local agricultural community, reinforcing their deep-rooted connection to the Lancashire countryside.

The Range

The have a huge range of cheeses, including:

Soft & Bloomy Rind Cheeses

Baronet – A rich and creamy washed-rind cheese with a supple texture, made from Guernsey cow’s milk.
Button Mill – A delicate, buttery soft cheese with a bloomy rind and a hint of earthiness.
Truffle Button Mill – A luxurious twist on the original, infused with the deep, savoury aroma of black truffle.

Blue Cheeses

Blacksticks Blue – A creamy yet tangy blue cheese with a striking orange hue and a bold, piquant flavour.
Kidderton Ash – A soft goat’s cheese coated in edible ash, creating a smooth, silky texture with a subtle citrusy tang.

Traditional Lancashire Cheeses

Trotter Hill – A rich, crumbly Lancashire cheese with a deep, full-bodied flavour and a smooth, clean finish.
Sunday Best – A traditional farmhouse Lancashire with a velvety texture and a well-rounded, mellow taste.
Parlick – A creamy yet fresh-tasting sheep’s milk cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty profile.

Mature & Aged Cheeses

Extra Mature Blacksticks Blue – A bolder, more intense version of the original, aged for an extended period for extra depth.
Parlick Brie – A unique, sheep’s milk brie with a creamy centre and a delicate, mushroomy rind.

Butler’s Farmhouse Cheeses have recently acquired The Hampshire Cheese Company who make Tunworth & Winslade which we feature in our shop, as well as many others. We love the vision of Butler’s Farmhouse Cheeses and hope to feature more of their cheeses in future Cheese Clubs.