Norfolk Mardler (Hard Goat Cheese – Lidl Deluxe)

There are some, mostly in the darker corners of the internet, that claim you can make cheese out of anything that produces milk. Personally I wouldn’t have wanted to be the person who systematically tested this theory out. What we do know is that although cow rules the roost in the world of cheese, there is a strong following for the sheep and goat-based products that we can find in our local supermarkets. This offering comes from the hardy goats of Britain. Norfolk Mardler (from the Norfolk dialect term “mardle” meaning to gossip or chat) is a hard, chalk-white, mild cheese made from pasteurised goat milk.

For the uninitiated, goat cheese has a very distinct flavour which is very unlike that of its bovine counterparts. This offering certainly has the taste but it is certainly not as overwhelming as some other offerings. The cheese has an odour not dissimilar to Feta (which is often a blend of sheep and goat milk). The smell let’s you know its a goat but without shouting too obnoxiously about the fact. The cheese itself has a fine blend of rubbery and crumbly. The cheese has a trait of sticking to the roof of your mouth on its way through which gives the taste a chance to make an impression. It doesn’t blow you away but for the goat cheese fans it will certainly do the trick! The cheese delivers a good balance of sweet and savoury which makes it a candidate for a quick snack, toasted in a sandwich or added to a homecooked dinner.

If you have not been brave enough to try a goat cheese before, this may well offer a safe entry point. It ticks all the goaty boxes without overwhelming the casual consumer. The more hardcore fans might find the cheese to be a little too middle-of-the-road but that certainly doesn’t make it a bad cheese. From reading around elsewhere online, a Norfolk Mardler made in a small family farm may offer a stronger experience. Overall, the cheese is a solid entry-level goat cheese that should have something for everyone.

RATING – 7.5

RECOMMENDATION – An excellent choice for those looking to take the leap in to the world of goat cheeses

Louis John Brzozka

Consummate copious consumer of cheese. Lover of a good strong cheddar!