Some say Cheddar is our national cheese and it’s certainly never to be left off a cheese board, but Christmas Day calls for something rich and special and Colston Bassett’s renowned award-winning Stilton is exactly that.

It’s creamy, some Stiltons can be dry and too crumbly and boasts a flavour profile that balances sweet and savoury notes that’s totally festive.

That perfectly smooth consistency makes it easy to spread onto a cracker whether you like a good honest Cream Cracker or are fond of the posh water biscuit. A generous dollop of chutney, Tracklements is perfect, elevates the experience even further.

Traditionally a glass of port or a full-bodied red wine is the accompaniment but try a small glass of a strong lager like Leffe. The beer melts the cheese in a beautiful way.

Colston Bassett Dairy has been crafting the finest artisanal cheese since 1913. Little has changed since then, and they still use the milk from four of the original local farms that set up the co-operative in the beginning.

You can find Colston Bassett Dairy’s Stilton in Neal’s Yard Dairy and The Fine Cheese Company RRP £10.95.