Are you ready to embark on a delectable journey of flavors and textures? Look no further than Bear Hill cheese, an artisanal small-batch cheese that will elevate your culinary experiences to new heights. Handcrafted with love and passion, this gourmet cheese is a testament to the artistry and dedication of its makers at Grafton Village Cheese.
At Grafton Village Cheese, every wheel of Bear Hill cheese is crafted with utmost care, using unpasteurized/raw sheep’s milk. This results in a cheese that is truly unique and full of character. Aged for a minimum of 7 months in caves, it develops a firm yet pliant texture, inviting you to indulge in its creamy goodness.
The flavors of Bear Hill cheese are a symphony for your taste buds. Sweet and nutty notes, reminiscent of classic alpine cheeses, intertwine harmoniously with the fruity and savory complexities that the sheep’s milk brings. The richness of hazelnut and browned butter aromas further enhances the overall experience.
It’s no wonder that Bear Hill cheese has earned accolades and recognition in the cheese world. It took home 1st place at the prestigious American Cheese Society in 2022 and claimed a silver medal at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards in 2021.
Embrace the opportunity to savor Bear Hill cheese today, and let it transport you to a realm of flavors like never before. Experience the craftsmanship and passion behind this extraordinary cheese, and discover why Grafton Village Cheese is renowned for their exceptional artisanal creations.
The Art of Grafton Village Cheese
When it comes to exceptional cheese, Grafton Village Cheese is a name that stands out. With their commitment to traditional craftsmanship and dedication to quality, Grafton Village Cheese offers a line of distinctive cheddar cheeses that caters to cheese connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
One of the highlights of Grafton Village Cheese is their selection of traditional cheddar cheeses. Handcrafted using primarily Jersey cow’s milk, these cheddars are aged for varying lengths of time, resulting in a range of flavor profiles. From mild and creamy to sharp and robust, there’s a traditional cheddar cheese to suit every palate.
But Grafton Village Cheese doesn’t stop at traditional cheddar. They also offer a tempting array of flavored cheddars that add a new dimension to the classic cheese. Infused with ingredients like horseradish, garlic, and herbs, these flavored cheddars bring an exciting twist to your cheese board or sandwich.
| Cheese Type | Milk Type | Aging | Flavor Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Cheddar | Jersey cow’s milk | Up to three years | Mild to sharp, creamy to robust |
| Flavored Cheddar | Jersey cow’s milk | Various | Infused with horseradish, garlic, herbs, and more |
One of the hallmarks of Grafton Village Cheese is their production of cave-aged cheeses. These specialty cheeses are made from unpasteurized/raw cow, sheep, and mixed milk, and are aged in their caves to develop unique and complex flavors. The cave-aging process imparts a rich depth and character to the cheese, making them a true delight for the taste buds.
What sets Grafton Village Cheese apart is their commitment to using premium milk and maintaining high-quality standards. All of their cheeses are made without artificial hormones and antibiotics, ensuring that each bite is not only flavorful but also wholesome. It’s no wonder that Grafton Village Cheese has become a go-to choice for those seeking authentic, artisanal cheese.
In summary, Grafton Village Cheese is an artisanal cheese producer that takes pride in their traditional cheddar cheeses, distinctive flavored cheddars, and cave-aged creations. Their dedication to old-world craftsmanship and the use of premium milk result in cheeses that are unrivaled in taste and quality.
Award-Winning Excellence
Grafton Village Cheese has built an esteemed reputation in the world of artisanal cheese, consistently delivering exceptional products of unparalleled quality and taste. Their commitment to craftsmanship has been validated through numerous prestigious cheese awards and accolades.
Best in Class Recognition
- Traditional Clothbound Cheddar: Grafton Village Cheese’s Traditional Clothbound Cheddar was awarded the Best in Class medal at the renowned American Cheese Society Judging and Competition. This recognition highlights the cheese’s outstanding craftsmanship and superior flavor.
- Bear Hill Cheese: Another notable achievement for Grafton Village Cheese is the Best in Class medal received by their Bear Hill cheese at the American Cheese Society Judging and Competition. This award showcases the exceptional quality and taste of this unique alpine-style cheese.
International Acclaim
Grafton Village Cheese’s commitment to excellence extends beyond national boundaries, as evidenced by their success at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards.
| Cheese | Award |
|---|---|
| Traditional Clothbound Cheddar | Gold Medal |
| Bear Hill Cheese | Silver Medal |
These gold and silver medal wins further affirm the international recognition and exceptional quality of Grafton Village Cheese’s offerings.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Bear Hill cheese is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a quick snack, Bear Hill cheese offers endless possibilities for satisfying your cravings. Here are some cheese pairing and serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
1. Table Cheese
Bear Hill cheese shines when served as a centerpiece on a cheese board. Its firm yet pliant texture and rich flavors make it a delightful addition to any charcuterie spread. Pair it with crusty bread, fig jam, and a selection of cured meats for a classic combination that never disappoints.
2. Melted Creations
Thanks to its high meltability, Bear Hill cheese is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, paninis, and quesadillas. Its nutty and savory notes complement the gooey goodness of melted cheese, creating a comforting and indulgent treat.
3. Alpine Sandwich
For a taste of the Alps, try a delightful alpine sandwich featuring Bear Hill cheese, French-style jambon, and a generous slather of butter. The combination of the nuttiness from the cheese and the saltiness from the ham creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
4. Wine and Beer Pairings
Bear Hill cheese pairs well with aromatic and spicy whites such as Viognier and Chenin Blanc. The fruity and savory complexity of the cheese also complements reds like Cote du Rhone. If you prefer a beer pairing, try it with an IPA to balance the richness of the cheese. Additionally, Normandy-style hard cider is an excellent choice to enhance the flavors of Bear Hill cheese.
5. Pickled Vegetables and Mostarda
Get creative and serve Bear Hill cheese with tangy pickled vegetables and a sweet mostarda. The acidity of the pickles cuts through the richness of the cheese, while the mostarda adds a touch of sweetness and complexity. The combination of flavors creates a truly delightful and memorable tasting experience.
Explore these pairing and serving suggestions to elevate your enjoyment of Bear Hill cheese. Let your taste buds embark on a journey of indulgence and discover the myriad ways you can savor this exceptional cheese.
| Pairing | Recommended Wines | Recommended Beers |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Cheese Board | Chardonnay | Pale Ale |
| Grilled Cheese Sandwich | Sauvignon Blanc | Amber Ale |
| Alpine Sandwich | Pinot Noir | IPA |
| Pickled Vegetables and Mostarda | Gewürztraminer | Belgian Tripel |
A Legacy of Handcrafted Cheese
Grafton Village Cheese has a rich history and is considered one of Vermont’s legacy cheese producers. Established in 1892 as the Grafton Cooperative Cheese Company, they have continued the tradition of making cheese by hand and in small batches.
They source their milk from small, local family farms in Grafton, ensuring the use of premium milk in their cheese production. Grafton Village Cheese is committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship in every cheese they produce.
Conclusion
Bear Hill cheese from Grafton Village Cheese is a true culinary delight. This artisanal, gourmet cheese combines the best of both worlds with its alpine-style, cave-aged profile. The result is a unique combination of flavors and aromas that will satisfy even the most discerning cheese lovers.
Grafton Village Cheese’s commitment to handcrafting small-batch cheeses shines through in the impeccable quality of Bear Hill cheese. This dedication to craftsmanship has earned Grafton Village Cheese an award-winning reputation in the world of gourmet cheese.
Indulge in the richness of Bear Hill cheese today and experience the unparalleled quality and taste that Grafton Village Cheese has to offer. Whether enjoyed on its own, melted in a sandwich, or paired with your favorite wines, Bear Hill cheese is sure to elevate any culinary experience. Trust in Grafton Village Cheese for an unforgettable artisanal cheese experience.
FAQ
What is Bear Hill cheese?
Bear Hill cheese is an alpine-style cheese made with unpasteurized/raw sheep’s milk and cave-aged for a minimum of 7 months.
What flavors does Bear Hill cheese have?
Bear Hill cheese combines the sweet and nutty flavors characteristic of alpine cheeses with a fruity and savory complexity brought on by the sheep’s milk.
What are the characteristics of Bear Hill cheese?
Bear Hill cheese has a firm yet pliant texture and is known for its rich aromas of hazelnut and browned butter.
Has Bear Hill cheese won any awards?
Yes, Bear Hill cheese has won numerous awards, including 1st place at the American Cheese Society in 2022 and silver at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards in 2021.
What types of cheeses does Grafton Village Cheese produce?
Grafton Village Cheese offers a line of distinctive cheddar cheeses that have been aged for up to three years, as well as a selection of flavored cheddars. They also produce cave-aged cheeses made of unpasteurized/raw cow, sheep, and mixed milk.
Where does Grafton Village Cheese source their milk?
Grafton Village Cheese sources their milk from small, local family farms in Grafton, ensuring the use of premium milk in their cheese production.
Has Grafton Village Cheese won any awards?
Yes, Grafton Village Cheese has been recognized with numerous awards, including Best in Class medals at the American Cheese Society Judging and Competition for their Traditional Clothbound Cheddar and Bear Hill cheese.
How should I serve Bear Hill cheese?
Bear Hill cheese is best served as a table cheese but is also highly meltable, making it perfect for sandwiches and melted applications. It pairs well with aromatic, spicy whites and reds such as Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Cote du Rhone, or an IPA. Normandy-style hard cider also complements the flavors of Bear Hill cheese.
What is the history of Grafton Village Cheese?
Grafton Village Cheese was established in 1892 as the Grafton Cooperative Cheese Company. They have continued the tradition of making cheese by hand and in small batches, becoming one of Vermont’s legacy cheese producers.
