Snipped

So, the crap we now call cheddar cheese is the result. Pathetic
stuff.

Ah, a man after my own heart. I find that most of the so-called
cheddar available here in RSA is 'tasteless' too. However, I recently
found a local brand called Butlers (think it's affiliated to some UK
brand) which is labeled "Extra Strong". Wonderful stuff - natural
cheddar - no funny colorants etc. Sharp and yummy, but of course,
expensive

I think most cheeses have gone tasteless. If you don't spend the money on
imported, you get crap. Kraft is junk, Helluvagood is junk, and even
Cabot is for crap. That's pretty much all that's offered here that's
affordable.

kili

That is true of wine around here Kili. Sometimes winerys will have an
excellent vintage that isn't sold here in retail locations. You can get it
retail outside the area but not here. They typically offer it at the winery
though.

On the cheese, we have found an import that is readily available in the
grocery store, Kerry Gold Dubliner, and it's really good. I like the
Tillamook Vintage Extra Sharp White Cheddar but not Kraft or the like, their
just oily to me and that makes them off putting.

Though it isn't sharp cheddar that we use most lately. There is a cheese
factory about 10 miles from our house. They focus on Gouda but they have
Edam as well which is tasty too. They also have quark which is a an
excellent substitution for sour cream and for ricotta cheese in lasagna.
It's nice to have something we can get right at the factory and not get
gouged on the price in a grocery store.

Cindi