At Usk Valley Cheese Company, every wheel tells a story, not just of craftsmanship and flavour, but of place, heritage, and passion. In this edition of Meet the Cheese, we’re shining the spotlight on three of our most characterful creations: Six Peaks, Chartists’ Heritage, and Roman Gold. Each one is carefully handmade in-house and infused with meaning, as well as mouthwatering flavour.
Six Peaks: A Summit of Savoury Herb and Garlic Notes
Infused with garlic and a medley of mixed herbs, Six Peaks is a cheese that brings the untamed spirit of the Brecon Beacons straight to your cheeseboard. Its name pays homage to the six prominent peaks that define the national park’s skyline - Pen y Fan, Corn Du, Cribyn, Fan y Big, Waun Rydd, and Cadair Fawr.
These mountains are more than just dramatic scenery, they’re a place of connection, adventure, and local pride. Whether you’ve hiked their trails or admired them from a distance, Six Peaks offers a flavour that’s as bold and invigorating as the landscape itself.
Chartists’ Heritage: A Taste of Simplicity, Rooted in History
Chartists’ Heritage is a celebration of simplicity done exceptionally well. A plain-flavoured semi-hard cheese, it’s named in honour of the Chartist movement—a 19th-century campaign for political reform that left its mark on the Usk Valley and beyond. Newport, just downstream, was the site of the 1839 Newport Rising, when thousands of working-class protesters marched in support of democracy, fairness, and representation.
We chose this name because this cheese embodies those same values: strength, integrity, and straightforward honesty. With a creamy flavour, its perfect on its own or as the foundation of a hearty rustic lunch. Sliced thick onto crusty bread with a smear of chutney or simply enjoyed on its own. Every bite is rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Roman Gold: A Golden Thread Through Time
With its delicate saffron infusion and radiant golden hue, Roman Gold is as striking in taste as it is in appearance. But it’s more than just beautiful, it’s also a nod to the rich Roman history of the Usk Valley. The nearby town of Caerleon (Isca Augusta in Roman times) was once a thriving legionary fortress and settlement, complete with an amphitheatre, baths, and barracks.
The Romans brought with them not just military might, but also culture, trade, and exotic ingredients like saffron, an ancient luxury used in both cooking and ritual. In Roman Gold, we blend this culinary history with Welsh craftsmanship, creating a cheese that bridges centuries.
Roman Gold pairs beautifully with honeyed crackers, dried apricots, and a crisp white wine, or try it shaved over risotto for an indulgent finish.
Every Cheese Tells a Story
At Usk Valley, we believe cheese should be more than just delicious, it should evoke a place, a memory, a legacy. From the aromatic lift of Six Peaks to the historical roots of Chartists’ Heritage, to the golden elegance of Roman Gold, our cheeses are crafted to be experienced and savoured.
Explore our full range and bring a piece of the Usk Valley to your table.
