Ep 2. The Irish Farmhouse Revolution - Ireland

The show Cheese Slices follows the journey of renowned cheese expert, Will Studd, as he travels across the world to discover the best cheeses. Season 2 episode 2 titled "The Irish Farmhouse Revolution - Ireland" takes the viewer on a fascinating journey to the Emerald Isle to discover the new wave of Irish farmhouse cheeses.

Will Studd starts his adventure by visiting County Cork in the South of Ireland where he explores the unique cheese-making philosophy of cheesemaker Gert and his partner Niamh who set up a family business, making cheese in their converted farmstead. The duo is part of a growing number of Irish farmers who are reviving traditional cheesemaking techniques which have been lost to modernization. Will gets to observe the whole process from milking the cows, the curdling, to molding the cheese. He also observes the process of cave-aging cheese, as opposed to vacuum-packed aging common in industrial factories.

Next, Studd heads to County Kilkenny where he meets Tom Burgess, a former dairy farmer, who decided to venture into cheese making with his son Padraig. Their third-generation family business is all about handcrafting Irish blue cheese, but with a modern twist. Will is excited to try their cave-aged and botrytis-affected cheeses which provide a unique depth of flavor and richness.

To showcase the cultural heritage of Irish cheese, Will visits the historic town of Cashel in Tipperary, which has been making Ireland's most famous cheese for centuries - Cashel Blue. He is welcomed by the Grubb family, who have been making this cheese for over three decades, and they reveal the secrets behind this world-renowned blue cheese.

Studd then travels to Northern Ireland to explore the next generation of cheese making. He explores the Crosskeys Alpines farm - high in the Mourne mountains - where husband and wife team, Michael and Lynn, make cheese in tune with the natural rhythms of their animals and pastures. The farm is a true embodiment of a sustainable lifestyle, utilizing renewable energy for the daily operations.

The final stop of Studd's journey takes him to Dublin, where he meets up with Silke Cropp, a cheesemonger with an exceptional talent for pairing cheese with craft beers. Silke introduces him to her favorite Irish farmhouse cheeses and the best beer pairings to go with them.

The Irish Farmhouse Revolution is a celebration of Irish cheese-making, its roots, and those who are championing it. Will Studd's journey across Ireland brings to light the revolution happening in the local cheese-making industry. The episode highlights the importance of preserving traditional cheese-making methods, especially in this era of industrialization and mass production. This episode is a must-watch for cheese and culinary enthusiasts who are keen to learn about the new wave of Irish Cheese-making.