WHETHER it’s Zoom issues or the heightened sense of isolation, the transition to home-working has not been without its pitfalls for many since COVID-19.

Not Jackie Whittaker, though; it’s enabled her to realise a long-held ambition of hers, in fact.

A three day cheese-making course at the Food Technology Centre in Llangefni several years ago gave her the taste for business, and after renting out a Llandudno dairy for some time, Jackie finishing setting up her own micro-dairy at her Rhuddlan home in 2021.

This transition for the award-winning Castell Gwyn Cheese, which sources milk from Mostyn Dairy and Welsh honey from Dyserth, has been seamless, and Jackie’s proudest moment in business.

She said: “It’s been brilliant and easy! I used to have to drive to a farm in the middle of the night sometimes just to carry on making the cheeses, and it’s great now because it’s just in my back garden!

“I make award-winning soft cheese with flavours - Welsh honey, cracked black pepper, fresh chives and Penderyn Whisky - all from our purpose-built micro-dairy in Rhuddlan.

“Our dairy is insulated with Welsh sheep wool and our whey is given to local pigs as it’s an excellent source of protein, so there is zero per cent waste.

“Our cheese is similar to Boursin, so is a great spread on crackers and bagels, and also great to cook with!”

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Though cheese may be Jackie’s forte, reflected in the numerous gold and silver awards it’s won at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards (at which she is a judge), there are plenty more strings to her bow.

Despite it all being her own work, Jackie also sells a range of successful other products, and is currently studying to become a “Master of Cheese” with the Academy of Cheese, too.

North Wales Pioneer: Castell Gwyn’s cracked black pepper luxury soft cheese. Photo: Jackie WhittakerCastell Gwyn’s cracked black pepper luxury soft cheese. Photo: Jackie Whittaker

With people able to buy her produce either online or from the shops she sells to, Jackie is looking forward to another busy period after a hectic Christmas.

She added: “We sell our cheeses online and also have a range of chutneys: caramelised red onion, real ale and scotch bonnet chilli jam. We also sell a range of crackers and fabulous cheese kits, if you fancy making your own cheese!

“I’ve had loads of orders from local cheese shops and online. January is always a bit quiet, but before Christmas was just so busy; it was brilliant.

“It (the business) was just an idea, and I think I got over-excited!”

Castell Gwyn Limited, Church Street, Rhuddlan, LL18 2YA.

For more information, go to: www.castellgwyn.com.

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