Roaring Forties Blue

Producer

King Island Dairy

Country

Australia

Region

Tasmania

Weight

2 lbs

Website

www.kidairy.com.au

Milk

Cow

Classification

Semi Soft
Blue

Rennet

Animal

Rind

Waxed

Roaring Forties Blue hails from King Island, located south of Melbourne, Australia at the western end of Bass Strait.

King Island is an exceptionally picturesque spot on a fine day, but ferocious westerly winds that blow directly down the 40°S longitude can create treacherous seas. These winds have come to be known as the Roaring 40's, and are the basis for much of the interesting history of King Island.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, as the Roaring 40's swept across the trade routes causing shipwrecks, straw mattresses from many parts of the world drifted ashore. Their seeds germinated in the rich island soils and created the lush pastures that set the King Island dairy industry apart.

Today, dairy cows graze on the thick pasture, supplementing their rich diet with the occasional nibble of kelp washed ashore after heavy storms. Consequently, there is no need for the artificial feed supplements and stock growth additives that other farmers have come to rely on.

Cheese production takes place under the direction of Swiss-born Ueli Berger, who has an inexhaustible passion for cheesemaking which began very early in life. As the grandson of a cheesemaker and son of a dairy farmer, his European childhood provided plenty of opportunity to explore the craft.

After studying cheesemaking in Switzerland for three years, Berger moved to Australia to work for a soft cheese manufacturer. He moved to King Island in 1998 to become King Island Dairy's head cheesemaker.

Roaring Forties Blue is a full-flavored blue with a sweet, slightly nutty character, a rich mouth feel and long finish.

Cheeses are matured in their wax coating, which cuts off the oxygen supply, promoting its sweet and fruity flavor, as well as retaining moisture, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

Try pairing it with a smoky Australian Shiraz.