Recently crowned Best Blue Cheese in Ireland at the 2024 Irish Cheese Awards, Young Buck is a true testament to the excellence of Irish cheesemaking.
The Maker’s Story
Michael Thomson’s journey into artisanal cheesemaking began after years of working with some of the UK’s most prestigious cheesemakers—particularly Stilton producers. In 2013, he launched a successful crowdfunding campaign to establish Mike’s Fancy Cheese Co., with a vision to create Northern Ireland’s first raw milk blue cheese.
Today, Young Buck is a staple on cheeseboards across Ireland and beyond, loved for its distinctive character and uncompromising quality.
The Making of Young Buck
This exceptional Irish blue cheese is made using traditional Stilton techniques, with raw milk sourced from a single local Holstein Friesian herd, just a stone’s throw from Mike’s cheesemaking facility. Every step of the process is carefully managed to ensure a beautifully balanced, complex cheese:
✅ Hand-ladled into moulds to preserve the delicate curd structure
✅ Aged for a minimum of 12 weeks, developing its signature blue veining
✅ Pierced by hand to encourage even development of the blue mould
✅ Turned and monitored regularly for optimal maturation
Tasting Notes
Young Buck delivers a flavour experience that evolves beautifully on the palate:
🧀 Creamy and buttery on the first bite
🧀 Rich umami depth, with layers of complexity
🧀 Peppery blue notes that add vibrancy without overwhelming
🧀 A long, memorable finish, with subtle hints of cocoa and tropical fruits
To enjoy Young Buck at its best, always serve at room temperature and store it in the specialist waxed cheese paper provided when purchasing from Indie Füde.
Perfect Pairings for Young Buck from Indie Füde
Local Drinks and Young Buck
🍸 Echlinville Gin – Crafted just miles from where Young Buck is made, its local botanicals complement the cheese’s richness. What grows together goes together!
🍺 Bullhouse Brew Co. Rolling Papers IPA – The tropical fruit notes in this IPA are a perfect partner. And something we’re used at our monthly tastings a number of times now.
☕ Boundary Brewing’s Export Stout – A bold pairing that enhances Young Buck’s cocoa notes. Stout and blue cheese is a classic – so you might as well makeit a qaulity local one. An indulgent way to finish off a meal.
Local Food Pairings and Young Buck
🍏 Irish Black Butter – A beloved favourite at Indie HQ for its rich, spiced apple flavour.
🥖 Ditty’s Irish Oatcakes – The perfect crisp, crumbly base.
🍯 Indie Füde Thyme Honey – Adds a sweet, herbaceous contrast.
Serving Suggestions & Recipe Ideas
💡 The ultimate Irish cheeseboard – Pair Young Buck with other local Irish cheeses.
🥔 Crumble over warm Comber Potatoes for a delicious side dish.
🍔 Melt onto a local Dexter beef burger with caramelised onions for a flavour-packed bite.
🍝 Stir into a creamy pasta sauce using Capparelli’s artisanal Casarecce pasta.
🍐 Serve with poached pears and Indie Füde Thyme Honey for a sophisticated and slightly alternative dessert.
Young Buck in Our Cheese Hampers
Young Buck is featured in our carefully curated Irish Cheese Hampers, perfect for gifting or indulging yourself. Each hamper is designed to showcase the best of Irish cheesemaking, complete with complementary accompaniments.
Special Occasions: Young Buck for Weddings & Events
Looking for a show-stopping cheese centrepiece? Young Buck is a favourite in our Artisanal Wedding Cheese Cakes. Our team can help you design a stunning cheese cake featuring Young Buck alongside other Irish artisanal cheeses—perfect for weddings and special events.
Where to Buy Young Buck
🛍 Visit our Indie Füde shops in Comber or Belfast to taste and purchase Young Buck in person.
📦 Order online through our cheese selection for next-day delivery across Ireland and the UK.
📲 Follow Michael’s cheesemaking journey on Instagram @mikesfancycheese and learn more about Young Buck on the Mike’s Fancy Cheese website.