Merry Wyfe is a charming, cider-washed version of the traditional Wyfe of Bath, crafted by hand on the farm using the same farmhouse care and heritage. Each cheese is gently washed in the farm’s own pressed cider every other day for four weeks, producing a distinctive orange rind that is both visually striking and rich in flavour. The cider, made from apples grown on the farm by Graham Padfield, imparts subtle fruity notes while encouraging the development of a delicate crystallised rind that enhances texture and umami depth.

The cheese presents with a plump, appealing form and a rind that is slightly textured and moreish, with just the right amount of stickiness on the base. Beneath the rind, the paste is smooth, creamy, and buttery, with a firm yet bouncy texture that softens beautifully on the palate. The flavour is layered and complex: gentle farmyard notes meet earthy, umami tones, with hints of sweet cider, subtle fruitiness, and a delicate savoury saltiness. The result is a rich, characterful cheese with a long, lingering finish that invites repeated tasting.

Merry Wyfe balances softness with structure: the paste is creamy yet retains a satisfying bite, and the rind marries perfectly with the interior, delivering subtle crystalline crunch alongside rounded, buttery richness. It has been likened to a Reblochon in texture, yet its cider-washed character gives it a uniquely English twist.

Playful in name and character, Merry Wyfe is a cheese with personality — a little tipsy after her cider bath — and a delight for cheeseboards, pairing beautifully with crisp apples, fresh pears, or a glass of cider. Serve at room temperature to reveal its full depth of flavour, creamy mouthfeel, and the gentle tang of the orchard in every bite.