I have not had "proper" cheddar, though we're blessed with the Tillamook cheese makers here that, while a factory still turn out some good product. I have recently become a fan of my local grocer's cheese counter and have been experimenting a bit.I'm never glib about cheese.....
For what it's worth, "real" Cheddar is a let down. Not very good at all. I think their product tends to get by on name alone... The best Cheddar I've had was actually from Ireland.I'll take some Red Leicester or Double Gloucester any day of the week, though. Those are some proper cheeses.
Most Cheddar is too 'young' to be good, needs decent aging, then a lot of people find it too strong It goes well with apples