Stinking Bishop: How The Classy Cheese Got Its Off-Putting Name

Stinking Bishop is a unique and pungent cheese that hails from Gloucestershire, England, known for its distinct aroma and rich flavor. Its name, rather unusual for a cheese, originates from a variety of pear, the Stinking Bishop pear, used to make the perry (a type of pear cider) that washes the cheese during its production. This washing process is critical as it contributes to the cheese’s signature smell and taste. The pear itself was named after a 19th-century farmer, Frederick Bishop, who was notorious for his eccentric and cantankerous behavior, hence the moniker "Stinking Bishop." Despite its off-putting name and formidable smell, Stinking Bishop has earned a reputation for its creamy texture and complex flavor profile, making it a prized addition to cheese boards. The cheese gained international fame after being featured in the Wallace & Gromit film "The Curse of the Were-Rabbit," where its strong smell played a comedic role. Today, Stinking Bishop continues to be celebrated by cheese enthusiasts for its bold character and the amusing backstory behind its name, embodying a perfect blend of tradition, local history, and culinary artistry.