CAWS Teifi Cheese has done it again.

At this year’s recent British Cheese Awards ceremony, the annual Oscars of the cheese world, Ceredigion cheesemaker Caws Teifi Cheese smashed its own record by winning the Best Welsh Cheese for a record EIGHTH time with its flagship cheese Celtic Promise.

Celtic Promise is a Caerphilly type washed-rind cheese and has been developed by business owner John Savage-Onstwedder at his Glynhynod Farm base, Llandysul.

Since 1998 it has won the prestigious title of Supreme Champion twice at the British Cheese Awards, eight times the best semi-soft cheese in Britain and 12 gold medals, making it the most highly awarded cheese in Britain.

An unpasteurised, semi-soft cheese made from raw cows' milk, it is shaped like a dumpling. During the process, the cheese is ripened by washing with special bacteria to get the slightly moist, sticky orange-red rind and fruity smell.

As this cheese ripens, the soft buttery texture develops a pungent aroma and a delicate, mild flavour. Cheese connoisseurs say about it “once bitten forever smitten”.

Mr Savage-Onstwedder, who attended the award at the Royal Bath and West Showground, said: “To win the Dougal Campbell Memorial Trophy for the Best Welsh Cheese for a record eighth time is a testament to the skill and dedication of the whole team here at Caws Teifi Cheese.

“It also reflects the quality of the milk produced here in Ceredigion and we must give credit to Mr and Mrs Williams of Cilcert Farm, FFos-y-FFin, who produce the milk that makes our cheese.

“That the most highly-awarded cheese in Britain is produced here in Ceredigion proves that both Welsh milk and cheeses are something we can all be proud of.”

The top honour capped a great week for Caws Teifi, with four of their other cheeses also picking up medals: Saval and Teifi Halloumi both won silver medals, while Oak-Smoked Teifi and Teifi Nettle were both awarded bronze.

Fellow Tivyside producer Caws Cenarth also enjoyed success at the show. Its Perl Las won a silver medal, while Thelma's Original Caerphilly was awarded bronze.