Re: Interesting...
There are several black british cheeses incorporating charcoal, not just ash-coated cheeses. One example they stock at my local deli is this one from oop norf;
http://www.thegreatbritishcharcuterie.co.uk/charcoal-cheddar-2
I'm not much of a cheddar person, but this one definitely sits in my "cheddars that are actually very nice" pile.