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Snowdonia Cheese Company has announced the release of a new vintage Cheddar cheese aged 500 feet underground in Welsh slate caves for 18 months. Rock Star marks the company’s first vintage cave-aged Cheddar and will be available from Ocado and Waitrose, as well as wholesalers, independents, delis and premium grocers from 1 September. The new cheese is aged in a former slate mine buried deep in remote mountains surrounded by Snowdonia National Park and the protected Dark Sky Reserve. Snowdonia Cheese Company says maturing the cheese for 18 months in sealed slate chambers is what gives it a deeper flavour and denser texture. Rock Star is described as smooth and creamy with the occasional crunchy crystal. “On the palate, complex umami flavours and sweet caramel notes lead to a long finish with a savoury tang,” added the company. Richard Newton-Jones, commercial director at Snowdonia Cheese Company, said: “It’s a real labour of love to mature a cheese deep underground in such a remote setting and for us, it’s absolutely worth it. “The flavour is stunning and the setting is incredible – it’s a real honour to work with the natural landscape in this way, surrounded by the majestic beauty of Snowdonia. “Rock Star is sure to elevate special occasions with family and friends. It brings a real sense of luxury and wow-factor to the cheeseboard and we have no doubt it will prove an extremely popular addition to the Snowdonia Cheese range.” Rock Star Vintage Cave-Aged Cheddar has an RRP of £4.50 per 150g truckle.