CheeseForum.org ยป Forum

CHEESE TYPE BOARDS (for Cheese Lovers and Cheese Makers) => ADJUNCT - Blue Mold (Penicillium roqueforti) Ripened => Topic started by: H-K-J on February 03, 2013, 07:38:56 PM

Title: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 03, 2013, 07:38:56 PM
OH the smell of a new Stilton,
I used some FD in this one and did the 8 hour light press before milling and salting.
It is in the hoop and bein flipped, MMMmmmmmmm!!!! ^-^ :) :D ;D 8)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: bbracken677 on February 03, 2013, 08:43:26 PM
Looks really good so far...best of luck! I have 2 in the cave. One done right and the other that I attempted to apply a light press to eliminate some of the voids and left it in the press inadvertently for a looong time. I suspect that one is just going to be a white stilton with the wild rind lol
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: shotski on February 03, 2013, 08:49:54 PM
Very nice H-K-J

I did a 10lb press on mine for about 8 hours. How much weight did you use for 10 hours?
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 03, 2013, 09:00:53 PM
Looking great buddy!!!  Hey, the gaps go away by themselves, no need to press! LOL
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 03, 2013, 10:08:43 PM
Very nice H-K-J
I did a 10lb press on mine for about 8 hours. How much weight did you use for 10 hours?
Shot
I use 8 to 9 lbs of flat bar, the flat bar stays on top of the cutting board, no need to watch other than a little centering at first.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 04, 2013, 11:11:12 PM
After 16 hours it has lost some height about 3/4 in.
But man this sure smells Goooooooood!  ^-^
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 04, 2013, 11:30:30 PM
Looks good too!!! ;D
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: rolsen99 on February 05, 2013, 12:55:19 AM
I will be stepping up to a large one for my second.  Curiously, what were your ph targets?
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: shotski on February 05, 2013, 01:28:10 AM
Is that all of the curd from the 5 gallon batch in the first mould picture and what are the dimensions of the mould?
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 05, 2013, 03:29:10 AM
6" x 9 1/2"
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: shotski on February 05, 2013, 03:51:32 AM
thanks, just trying to get a feel for the differant size hoops needed for differant volumes.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 08, 2013, 12:03:17 AM
I don't know, I have been thinkin about a smoked Stilton :o
Not sayin I would do this one, but maybe a 2 or 3 gallon make just to check it out ???
HHHHmmmmmm????
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 08, 2013, 01:20:14 AM
Thinking about buying a new smoker this weekend, or tomorrow, so I can make salami.  Know anything about MasterForge?  I'm looking at an electric one that goes down to 100F so I can smoke cheese and cold smoke hams and Cotta Salami.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 08, 2013, 07:04:12 PM
Quote
Know anything about Master Forge?
Nope I haven't checked them out.

Today is day five of flipping so I will be smoothing this over later today,
going to try the knife thing I think I found the perfect one to do this with.
It has started to get some blue in the little cracks 8)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: HB on February 08, 2013, 07:14:13 PM
I don't know, I have been thinkin about a smoked Stilton :o
Not sayin I would do this one, but maybe a 2 or 3 gallon make just to check it out ???
HHHHmmmmmm????

Have you tried the Salem Smokehaus blue? I am not usually into smoked cheese, but I like this one. The strength of the blue holds up to the smoke. I bet it depends what wood you use. I think Smokehaus is cold smoked with applewood.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 08, 2013, 07:29:52 PM
Might have to try that one, although it may be hard to find here.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: beechercreature on February 08, 2013, 07:52:25 PM
Thinking about buying a new smoker this weekend, or tomorrow, so I can make salami.  Know anything about MasterForge?  I'm looking at an electric one that goes down to 100F so I can smoke cheese and cold smoke hams and Cotta Salami.


i don't mean to derail this thread any, but here's a couple different ways to do salamis

http://homebrewforums.net/discussion/713/frys-smoke-house/p1 (http://homebrewforums.net/discussion/713/frys-smoke-house/p1)

http://homebrewforums.net/discussion/140/dry-cured-smoked-venison-salami#Item_18 (http://homebrewforums.net/discussion/140/dry-cured-smoked-venison-salami#Item_18)


and with that one, he is able to take it apart and store it flat so it's not taking up a bunch of room when not in use.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: HB on February 08, 2013, 08:01:55 PM
Might have to try that one, although it may be hard to find here.

I've gotten it from Atkinson's before. I'm in Idaho, so it may not be as hard as you think.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 08, 2013, 10:59:48 PM
HB, I don't have a Atkinson's around here I am going to check a couple other stores I think might have it.

BTW decided to wait a little longer on the smoothing of the Stilton
Started to slip the mold off and it didn't seem as solid as the last make I did,
I took a pic off what I saw and man O man is the PR takin off on this one, Haven't seen this much blue on any of the others I made.
WOW!!
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: HB on February 08, 2013, 11:27:00 PM
Looks beautiful!
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 09, 2013, 12:06:28 AM
Looks great but that would be unusual on one of my Stilton makes.  Blue never shows up until 5 days after the mold is off. :o
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: shotski on February 09, 2013, 12:12:07 AM
I don't know, I have been thinkin about a smoked Stilton :o
Not sayin I would do this one, but maybe a 2 or 3 gallon make just to check it out ???
HHHHmmmmmm????

Have you tried the Salem Smokehaus blue? I am not usually into smoked cheese, but I like this one. The strength of the blue holds up to the smoke. I bet it depends what wood you use. I think Smokehaus is cold smoked with applewood.


That sounds so good. I will have to try it when my Stilton is ready. Thanks for the Idea. 
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: shotski on February 09, 2013, 12:24:24 AM
HB, I don't have a Atkinson's around here I am going to check a couple other stores I think might have it.

BTW decided to wait a little longer on the smoothing of the Stilton
Started to slip the mold off and it didn't seem as solid as the last make I did,
I took a pic off what I saw and man O man is the PR takin off on this one, Haven't seen this much blue on any of the others I made.
WOW!!

That's a beautiful thing H-K-J, I just love the aroma of this cheese at all stages.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 09, 2013, 03:51:00 AM
AL. this was 5 days in the mold and I was just checkin
After a cool one I said WTH go for it
this turned out so neet 8)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 09, 2013, 04:50:08 AM
Very nice job of smoothing!!!  Looking awesome buddy!!! ;D
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 09, 2013, 05:44:59 AM
Never tried smoothing one out with a knife , this worked excellent 8)

http://youtu.be/U3o04QQCZTI (http://youtu.be/U3o04QQCZTI)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: beechercreature on February 09, 2013, 01:35:41 PM
looks great already. nice job on the smoothing. my efforts have not been so successful.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: shotski on February 09, 2013, 01:55:48 PM
looks great already. nice job on the smoothing. my efforts have not been so successful.

Thanks for the video H-K-J. I think I need to be a little more aggressive doing mine to get it smoother. I have not wanted to hurt it  :D)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 09, 2013, 04:53:12 PM
Great video!! Before I made my first ones I found a video on YouTube taken at the plant where they make Stilton.  It showed a lady smoothing one of the big Stiltons with a knife.  I tried it on mine with limited success.  I think mine was a bit dry on the outside.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 09, 2013, 05:02:06 PM
Quote
I think I need to be a little more aggressive doing mine to get it smoother. I have not wanted to hurt it
I know what you mean, I have been just smoothing them with just my fingers,
although that worked to seal the holes, I just wasn't getting the Stilton exterior look that I was seeing in all of the videos.
this seems to be much more like what I have seen ^-^
Quote
I think mine was a bit dry on the outside.
My stiltons have always been very moist on the out side I was just afraid that they hadn't knitted together well enough and I would just create a pile of mush.
This time I just cowboyed up and went after it (maybe you can see the nervous perspiration on my brow :P)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: shotski on February 09, 2013, 05:11:10 PM
"My Stiltons have always been very moist on the out side I was just afraid that they hadn't knitted together well enough and I would just create a pile of mush. This time I just cowboyed up and went after it (maybe you can see the nervous perspiration on my brow )"

Ya I noticed that but the wife was all over it as is mine sneaking a piece when ever she thinks she won't get her finger cut off. I have read about cutting the curd and not pressing have you tried that because both of my Stiltons have been quite dry. Maybe that is just how it should be.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 09, 2013, 05:12:54 PM
The lady in the video I mentioned said you always have to smooth from bottom to top but yours seemed to work fine.  I'll get it right one day. :-[
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 09, 2013, 05:15:30 PM
Me to Al if I keep workin at it, I'm uh gonna get er right LOL :o
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 09, 2013, 07:24:11 PM
Me to Al if I keep workin at it, I'm uh gonna get er right LOL :o

I'd say you're there!! :D
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 11, 2013, 03:27:22 PM
I have been flipping this since Friday still getting some whey but the top (when flipped) has what seems to me is more of a fatty feel to it.
Never had a Stilton do this before, I am wondering if my needle point mats aren't letting it drain off properly. :-\
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Sailor Con Queso on February 11, 2013, 03:30:49 PM
Your mats need to have a maximum of 5 holes/inch. Any tighter weave will trap moisture.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 11, 2013, 04:10:45 PM
Thanks Sailor, I just checked mine and they have 6 so off to the store I go,
thanks for the quick answer.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Tiarella on February 11, 2013, 06:19:39 PM
Thanks Sailor, I just checked mine and they have 6 so off to the store I go,
thanks for the quick answer.

It's not only the mesh size but also what the mesh is on AND whether the mesh is a woven or punched type mesh.  Woven style allows flow of whey even if the mat is on a solid surface.  needlepoint mats usually just trap a little square of moisture and don't let it flow away unless the holes are big enough and it's held up off a solid surface.  because the strands of a woven style go over and under alternating cross strands there is room for it to flow.  Somewhere on the forum is a photo of the mats that iratherfly stocks.  They are pretty darn cheap and certainly food grade which is a plus.  Working with fats and acids makes me want to be especially careful about what comes in contact with the cheese.  Good luck!!!!   :D
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 11, 2013, 07:08:44 PM
Ms t
This is what (http://cheeseforum.org/forum/index.php/topic,10919.msg83284.html#msg83284) I have used all along, yet this cheese is draining like this, just wierd, the mat is a 6 count on top of egg crate.
this is the first Stilton to be draining after 8 day's ???
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 12, 2013, 11:46:13 PM
I have come to the conclusion that this is fat weeping out of the cheese, I also think the kitchen is to warm and the temp fluctuate's to much.
So off to the cooler room, the RH is way to low even in the ageing container around 75% +/- 2 or 3% and I have never had a problem keeping it up to 90%
although the mold is growing on the rind, it's not the same as before, not a bad difference, just different, or it's just new cheese jitters  :o
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: shotski on February 13, 2013, 12:52:38 AM
Very nice H-K-J. I thought you should put it in your cave after 5 days.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 13, 2013, 01:08:55 AM
normally I flip it in the mold for 5 days then smooth the cheese then keep it at room temp in the dark covered, flipping for 7 days then the cool room at high RH for a month then pierce, it just seems to change and I try to adjust so the rind develops the way I think it should. so now I am back at the new cheese jitters :-\ (and 2 beers and uh shot ^-^)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 13, 2013, 01:44:36 AM
Have another shot and stop worrying.  It will be fine in the end.  I cut that failed cambozola open the other day and the blue center was awesome.  PR always comes through in the end!! ;)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 13, 2013, 04:52:10 PM
LOL Al :)

I brought it out this morning to air and flip it, the greasy feel is gone and the top and bottom feel dry.
So I am sayin the kitchen was to warm, also the RH has to be up to 90% the walls of the ageing container were completely steamed over.
I am thinking my thermometer/RH meter is way off, the readings are 72% RH and 85 deg. F, that room hasn't been that hot even on the hottest day of the summer.
I guess if I can't get my meter to reset it is time to buy a new one. :(
the blue is really takin off, lots more blue this morning :D
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: bbracken677 on February 13, 2013, 05:37:18 PM
That looks outstanding!  Going to start calling you Mr. Stilton for your expertise in making those.  ;D

I cut a small wedge from each of the 2 stiltons I made...the first one that got pressed and totally neglected over Thanksgiving is slightly creamy and has a very few blue veins, but needs a bit more aging I think...the other which was made correctly a week or 2 later has more blue inside, creamier,  but also needs more aging, although the flavor and texturre was very close to what I am looking for in a blue. My inspiration to continue down the stilton line is all due to seeing your work, and imagining how they taste!  Thanks H-K-J!
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 13, 2013, 06:49:37 PM
bb yer makin me blush (gauwrsh) ^-^

I finally found the video that gave me a lot of information on the smoothing and piercing plus other interesting fact's.

Stilton - The King of English Cheese (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FtjWhXFNlM#ws)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: AndreasMergner on February 13, 2013, 11:15:13 PM
I have to agree with bb, that HKJ was my inspiration also!  Your Stilton is looking great.  :)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: shotski on February 14, 2013, 01:02:23 AM
bb yer makin me blush (gauwrsh) ^-^

I finally found the video that gave me a lot of information on the smoothing and piercing plus other interesting fact's.

Stilton - The King of English Cheese ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FtjWhXFNlM#ws[/url])


Thanks for sharing. It is amazing what will happen when you have a shot and stop warring isn't it.  Not necessarily in that order :)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 14, 2013, 02:04:48 AM
Great looking cheese!!! That's the same video I watched but I would have sworn she said to go bottom to top.  Must have been watching with my dyslexic eye. LOL
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 14, 2013, 03:34:42 PM
That's the same video I watched but I would have sworn she said to go bottom to top.  Must have been watching with my dyslexic eye. LOL
I do that all the time Al LOL ;)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 14, 2013, 09:43:09 PM
I am now fighting RH, can't get it over 78%, placed a wet paper towel under it this morning (was 76% then) checked at 1:pm and wow 78%.
I stuck another damp towel in and will see what happen's cant get the blue growing unless it come up 10% more, Dang it!!
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 15, 2013, 12:09:51 AM
Can you mist inside of the cooler with a spray bottle?
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 17, 2013, 09:58:19 PM
This one is driving me nuts. the white mold is running rampant.
that has never happened before :-\
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: bbracken677 on February 18, 2013, 11:36:03 PM
Reminds me an awful lot like a forgotten cheddar I had in the back of my cave. Only thing you are missing is the linens   :)    That "cheddar" turned out very tasty, although it didnt taste like a cheddar, nor did it have the texture of a cheddar (and was much smaller than your stilton...a 1 lb make that was experimental)....it turned out more like a muenster than anything. 
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 19, 2013, 12:38:58 AM
The PR will overcome!!  LOL  Works every time!! ;D
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 24, 2013, 11:09:35 PM
Smelling good, looking different and ageing
3 weeks old today ^-^
Going to pierce next week :)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: bbracken677 on February 25, 2013, 12:02:56 AM
Arent you supposed to pierce Stiltons at something like 10 days?  Given your success with these beauties I believe my next one will follow your make style, but I am interested in the late (apparently) piercing.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 25, 2013, 12:45:56 AM
On my last one I went 25 days till first piercing, so anytime within the next 4 or 5 days I think it should be alright :-\
OK maybe one or two days more, have a lot going on tomorrow and Tuesday so maybe Wednesday :P
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 25, 2013, 11:18:11 PM
I have been thinking about changing the size of my piercing tool.
the attached picture has the skewer (top) that I have used on all of my Stilton's
I am thinking I want to use the stainless steel spoke (bottom), kind-of small, afraid the holes might become overgrown in a very short time.
does anyone know what size they use on a real Stilton? I know I have read on the forum, some where, there is a particular size, I just can't seem to find it.
So, I will keep looking, but if someone knows the size I should be piercing with, I would be appreciative :)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: shotski on February 25, 2013, 11:37:08 PM
H-K-J did you do a brine rind wash or have you?
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 25, 2013, 11:45:08 PM
H-K-J did you do a brine rind wash or have you?

UUmmmmm no?
My Stiltons are natural rind PR-PV induced rind, I never do anything to the rind, make them scary as Heck >:D
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 26, 2013, 12:43:59 AM
OK, Never mind :-\
Just went ahead and done-it  :o
The little bit we were getting from the piercing was so delish,
Hope the holes are big enough to get air to the inside PR-PV :o
If the holes close to fast I will be using a larger tool in a week or so 8)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: shotski on February 26, 2013, 02:00:57 AM
Very nice H-k-j. I will be piercing my Stiltons in the next day or two. Smells irresistible.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 26, 2013, 05:19:30 AM
Looking good!!!  Can't wait for mine to ripen fully. ;)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Reino on February 26, 2013, 07:04:18 AM
HKJ, I had the similar question some time ago.

I don't know about the size of the piercing tool they use for real Stilton, but what it seemed to me when watching the videos, they are making really a lot of holes with a small diameter. So I did myself a tool with which I can make 6 holes at a time with the diameter of around 1 mm only. And as you can see from the picture in my thread: http://cheeseforum.org/forum/index.php/topic,11000.0.html (http://cheeseforum.org/forum/index.php/topic,11000.0.html) the airing has worked pretty OK. But on the other had I have not used any additional cream.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 26, 2013, 05:32:23 PM
Here is a little tool (http://cheeseforum.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=9535.0;attach=18074;image) I will be making.
such a great Idea (from member Moski 8) (http://cheeseforum.org/forum/index.php/topic,9535.msg69166.html#msg69166))

Very nice H-k-j. I will be piercing my Stiltons in the next day or two. Smells irresistible.

Thanks Al ^-^, say out of curiosity (hhhmmmmmm how do I put this?) how big is your Stilton Cheese piercing tool? ;)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 26, 2013, 07:37:32 PM
I use a 1/8" diameter wood skewer.  You can buy a bag of them at any grocery store for a buck or two.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Reino on February 26, 2013, 09:25:51 PM
I thought of posting a picture of my piercing tool, but it looks the same as you have linked, HKJ. The only difference being that mine has 6 needles and the diameter of needles is way way smaller.

Makes the whole piercing work much faster!
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on February 27, 2013, 03:44:24 AM
Here is a little tool ([url]http://cheeseforum.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=9535.0;attach=18074;image[/url]) I will be making.
such a great Idea (from member Moski 8) ([url]http://cheeseforum.org/forum/index.php/topic,9535.msg69166.html#msg69166[/url]))

Very nice H-k-j. I will be piercing my Stiltons in the next day or two. Smells irresistible.

Thanks Al ^-^, say out of curiosity (hhhmmmmmm how do I put this?) how big is your Stilton Cheese piercing tool? ;)


Someone stole the wife's knitting needles. LOL
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on February 27, 2013, 04:25:09 AM
A thought  >:D
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on March 13, 2013, 08:12:54 PM
Not wanting to over ripen this we took a peek at it last night.
My opinion, Fantastic!!!
We puled 2 core samples out (I forgot to take pix's of the first one) the interior bluing has started to radiate from the center as I have seen in the video's
 the picture's don't do the blue color justice, it is much brighter, the paste is still young yet has a very nice creamy taste and texture, wonderful after taste
no blue bite, very mild, so back to the cave/cooler and I think only 3 more weeks of aging, I hope this will be the happy medium I have been looking for.
 As a note to myself, the bicycle spoke piercing holes didn't become over grown as the larger skewer holes had. I was afraid they were to small and wouldn't let enough oxygen into the center of the paste, I observed that the curd has the cracks and crevasses I have been trying to get, the blue is growing just fine. ;D
I won't re-pierce this unless the holes start to get overgrown, nowhere have I seen or read that Stilton does this, only under certain circumstances.
All in all very happy with the way this is ageing  ^-^ so far so Good 8)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: CWREBEL on March 13, 2013, 08:22:06 PM
Oh baby! Bet that's going to be great melted on a grilled steak!
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: bbracken677 on March 13, 2013, 10:27:17 PM
Congratulations!  A cheese for your wonderful looking cheese! 

I am so going to make the perfect stilton one of these days....

My most recent was a white stilton (no blue) just cause I wanted to see what it would be like. After a couple of failures (one major, one minor) I feel like I am due a really good one..
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: shotski on March 14, 2013, 12:27:28 AM
Great job H-K-J, That looks awesome. That deserves a cheese just for being able to not cut into it.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on March 14, 2013, 11:38:22 PM
WOW guy,s thanks for the cheese ;D
The smoothing with the knife, the smaller air holes, overnight pressing and dryer curd all has helped move this cheese closer to what I have been trying to do.
Still have 2 weeks, then I will check the bluing again, if it is where we think it should be, BAGGIN TIME! :)
Not going to let this one go overboard on the blue, the last one not only bites back it smacks yuh right in the mouth :o
(my wife says tuh quit bitchin or she'll eat is all by her self ::))
All the holes are turning dark from the PR, but they seem not to be growing over, time will tell 8)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on March 14, 2013, 11:44:21 PM
Looking great buddy!!!  We can hold a Stilton fest!!  LOL  BTW  I'm referring all new stilton makers to this thread, mines full!  ;D
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on March 14, 2013, 11:51:30 PM
Now that's FUNNY  ;)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: shotski on March 15, 2013, 12:32:15 AM
Looking great buddy!!!  We can hold a Stilton fest!!  LOL  BTW  I'm referring all new stilton makers to this thread, mines full!  ;D

How long have you guys been hanging out here? Are we up against the old guard?........   :D
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on March 15, 2013, 01:57:55 AM
LOL ;D
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on March 20, 2013, 11:06:21 PM
Not quite 7 weeks, bluing is looking and tasting good, I believe 8 weeks is my magic number 8) ^-^
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: bbracken677 on March 20, 2013, 11:31:07 PM
Nice job H-K-J!!  Dang man, you da stilton man!  A cheese for your wonderful looking cheese! I can almost taste it.......    :o
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on March 20, 2013, 11:52:21 PM
Not quite 7 weeks, bluing is looking and tasting good, I believe 8 weeks is my magic number 8) ^-^

Looks like!!! ;D
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: jwalker on March 22, 2013, 12:00:14 PM
Man that looks good!

Makes my mouth water!

Been following this thread so closely , I'm starting to get mold on my computer screen!

Well done!

Cheers , Jim.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on March 24, 2013, 12:30:44 AM
I figure one more week maybe ten days and done.
so I pierced it one more time following the same holes, MMmmmmm show is tasty ;D
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on April 07, 2013, 02:20:49 AM
YESSSSSSS!!!!! I Like IT!!!!!!!
Beautiful, no bite just smooth buttery flavor, with just the right amount of blue melt in your mouth flavor ;D
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Schnecken Slayer on April 07, 2013, 03:59:35 AM
That looks really good with some very nice marbling.

Well done.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: shotski on April 07, 2013, 12:59:10 PM
YESSSSSSS!!!!! I Like IT!!!!!!!
Beautiful, no bite just smooth buttery flavor, with just the right amount of blue melt in your mouth flavor ;D

Very well done H-K-J and a cheese to you.
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Boofer on April 07, 2013, 01:55:54 PM
Beautiful, no bite just smooth buttery flavor, with just the right amount of blue melt in your mouth flavor ;D
Sweet! Kudos, H-K-J.

Have a cheese. You seem to be the leader of the Blue Man Group. ;)

-Boofer-
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on April 07, 2013, 02:27:07 PM
Great job buddy!!!  Looks like we both have a huge supply of blue now.  Now if I can just get that Emmentaler thing right. LOL
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on April 07, 2013, 03:06:45 PM
Hey thanks for the cheeses ;D
Boofer, I don't know about bein the lead blue man, thanks for the compliment though ^-^
Al, I can see a rib eye or T-bone on the bar-b-Q in the very near future (like maybe tonight if it stops raining) with a nice slice of this melting on top 8)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on April 07, 2013, 04:30:47 PM
Had a big ribeye last night just that way.  Put a gazebo up over the bar-b-cues and had a party for a friend out from Virginia and about 19 others.  Black Angus Rib-eyes, Baby Back ribs, and beer can chicken!!!  Not going to let a little rain spoil the fun!!  You really do need to get over this way one weekend. ;)
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: H-K-J on April 07, 2013, 04:41:06 PM
We would have a great time ^-^ :) :D ;D :o
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: Al Lewis on April 07, 2013, 08:29:29 PM
Yes we would.  We could even take my RZR S out for a cruise.  You'll love the way I drive!!!  LMAO
Title: Re: H-K-J's 2nd 5 gallon Stilton
Post by: JeffHamm on April 07, 2013, 08:49:03 PM
Fantastic looking result, a cheese to you for bringing this one home.  I must try making another blue.

- Jeff