Caws Cenarth Cheese

The lush valley of the river Cych is home to Caws Cenarth, one of Wales’ most renowned cheesemakers. Set up by Gwynfor and Thelma Adams in 1987, the business draws on a six-generation family tradition of cheesemaking. Their son Carwyn runs the show these days, although Mum and Dad are still involved.

Caws Cenarth is a true example of farm diversification: Thelma started making cheese in response to the milk quotas of the 1980s, and the Adams family soon found themselves leading a renaissance in Welsh cheesemaking. Today Caws Cenarth is the longest established producer of Welsh Farmhouse Caerffili (also known as Caerphilly), probably Wales’ best known cheese. Besides the traditional crumbly, lightly lemony variety, other versions made on site include Smoked and Garlic & Herb Caerffilis. Carwyn has also developed new cheeses, including the Brie-like Perl Wen and a creamy blue, Perl Las – both beloved by chefs in Wales. Golden Cenarth, a washed-rind cheese with a gorgeously smooth texture, is a past winner of the Supreme Champion accolade at the British Cheese Awards.