TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Mainer Cheese Types
Waldo Smog is an American heat-treated cheese made from cow's milk. It contains a layer of ash, making it visually similar to Cypress Grove's goat's milk cheese Humboldt Fog, but with the rich and buttery flavor coming from cow's milk.
The cheese is produced by Fuzzy Udder Creamery in Maine. Waldo Smog ripens from the outside, resulting in a cheese that's surrounded by a pungent, slightly runny shell. It is recommended to pair it with quince poached in white wine with vanilla, sugar, orange zest, and cardamom.
Opus 42 is an American semi-firm cheese produced in Maine by Lakin's Gorges Cheese. The cheese is made from cow's milk and ages from 3 to 6 months. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is moist and slightly crumbly. The aromas are earthy, pleasant, and yeasty, while the flavors are nutty, lemony, sharp, and tangy, with notes of earth and cellars.
It's recommended to pair it with dried apricots and a glass of fermented cider.
Pair with
Prix de Diane is an American cheese hailing from Waldoboro, Maine, where it's produced by Lakin's Gorges Cheese. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk. Underneath its bloomy rind, the texture of this brie-style cheese is soft and creamy.
The aromas are rich, while the flavors are buttery, creamy, subtle, and citrusy. It's recommended to serve Prix de Diane with turkey, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or avocados in order to bring out its full-bodied and creamy flavors. The cheese is named after a horse race in France.
Kennebec Highlands Caerphilly is an American cheese originating from Sidney, Maine, where it's produced by Kennebec Cheesery. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and it's usually left to age from 4 to 6 months before consumption.
Underneath its waxed rind, the texture is semi-hard, smooth, and creamy. The aromas are milky and grassy, while the flavors are salty, tangy, and nutty. Kennebec Highlands Caerphilly is often added to pizzas, salads, and pastas, and it's recommended to serve it with bread or crackers.
Woodside Alpine is an American cheese hailing from Maine, where it's produced by Kennebec Cheesery. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and it's left to age from 10 to 14 months before consumption. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is open, crumbly, and hard.
The aromas are nutty and grassy, while the flavors are nutty and creamy. It's recommended to grate Woodside Alpine over pasta dishes, pizza, and salads, or serve it with fresh bread and crackers. For the best experience, pair it with a Riesling or a pale ale.
Pair with
Morgan is an American cheese hailing from Rockport, Maine, where it's produced by Allison Lakin at Lakin's Gorges Cheese. The cheese is made from cow's milk. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is firm. The aromas are grassy, while the flavors are citrusy, salty, and grassy.
Morgan is often added into omelets, grated over soups, or used as a pizza topping due to the fact that it melts well. It's recommended to pair it with a glass of fruity wine or a glass of hoppy amber ale. Serve it with fresh melon slices or dates.
Medallion is a soft American cheese hailing from Maine, where it's produced by Lakin's Gorges Cheese. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk and it's shaped into a small disk because it's inspired by French cheeses such as Cabecou. Underneath its thin bloomy rind, the texture is velvety smooth and creamy.
Medallion is aged for about 2 weeks before it's ready for consumption. The aromas are rich, while the flavors are creamy, sweet, and mushroomy. It's recommended to pair it with a glass of Pinot Noir and serve it with fruit tarts.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Mainer Cheese Producers
Appleton Creamery, based in Appleton, Maine, is a small-scale cheese producer specializing in artisanal goat cheeses. They utilize milk from their own herd of goats as well as collaborating with other local dairies to produce a variety of cheeses.
Appleton Creamery participates in local farmers' markets and offers cheese-making classes.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2015, 2010, 2006, 2003
BEST Appleton Creamery Cheeses
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023, 2022, 2019
BEST Lioni Latticini, Inc Cheeses
Pineland Farms Creamery, located in New Gloucester, Maine, produces a variety of cheeses using milk sourced from local farms. The creamery is part of Pineland Farms, which also involves a broader focus on agricultural education and promoting local food.
The cheeses produced include a range of styles, from cheddar to flavored cheese blends, emphasizing traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2013, 2008, 2007
BEST Pineland Farms Creamery Cheeses
Pineland Farms Dairy Co., based in Bangor, Maine, is involved in the production of a variety of cheese products. The company operates with a focus on crafting cheeses using locally sourced ingredients from the New England region, emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices.
Their product line includes cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Swiss cheeses, among others.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023, 2022
BEST Pineland Farms Dairy Cheeses
Barred Owl Creamery is a small artisan cheese producer focused on crafting high-quality, handmade cheeses. They are known for using milk from local farms and producing cheeses in small batches, ensuring careful attention to the quality of each product.
Their product range includes various types of cheese with unique flavors and textures, and they specialize in artisanal cheeses often found at local markets and specialty shops.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2015
BEST Barred Owl Creamery Cheeses
Morsey's Farms, located in Wilton, is a producer specializing in dairy products made from water buffalo milk. The farm is particularly noted for its unique offerings such as water buffalo milk and a variety of cheeses made from this rich, creamy milk.
Morsey's Farms also operates a creamery where they process their dairy products, ensuring control over the entire production process from milking to market.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2017
BEST Morsey's Farms Cheeses
Pineland Farms is a cheese producer located in New Gloucester, Maine. They specialize in producing a variety of handcrafted cheeses including cheddar, Monterey Jack, and feta. The farm uses milk from local dairies to produce its cheeses, emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices.
Pineland Farms also operates as a working farm, educational center, and recreational facility.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2009
BEST Pineland Farms Cheeses
Silvery Moon Creamery is located in Westbrook, Maine, and is known for producing a variety of artisan cheeses. The creamery operates out of Smiling Hill Farm and utilizes milk from their herd of Holstein cows. Their cheese offerings include traditional styles such as cheddar, as well as unique blends and flavors.
Silvery Moon Creamery also focuses on sustainability and local production.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2007
BEST Silvery Moon Creamery Cheeses
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2015
BEST Tide Mill Creamery Cheeses
AWARDS
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2022
BEST East Forty Farm and Dairy Cheeses
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Mainer Cheeses
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2015, 2006
Ovoline, produced by Lioni Latticini, Inc., is a type of fresh mozzarella cheese that is known for its soft, creamy texture and mild, delicate flavor. This cheese typically comes in small, oval-shaped balls, which is reflected in its name, meaning "egg-shaped" in Italian.
Lioni Latticini is a well-regarded dairy producer that prides itself on using traditional Italian methods for cheese production, ensuring high quality and authentic taste. Mozzarella Ovoline is commonly used in a variety of dishes, including salads, pizzas, and appetizers, where its fresh taste and smooth texture can be best appreciated.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022
2-year Reserve Cheddar made by Pineland Farms Dairy Co. is an aged cheddar cheese that is matured for two years to achieve a deep, rich flavor profile and a firm, crumbly texture. It is made from high-quality milk sourced from local farms, ensuring a fresh and authentic taste.
The aging process enhances the cheddar's sharpness and complexity, making it a popular choice for cheese enthusiasts. This cheddar pairs well with a variety of foods and can be used in cooking or enjoyed on its own as part of a cheese board.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2003
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2006
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2010
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2010
Barred Owl Organic Feta is a delightful, artisanal cheese made from organic cow's milk at Barred Owl Creamery. This feta cheese is known for its crumbly texture and tangy, rich flavor, which is a result of the traditional brining process. Its creamy yet firm consistency makes it perfect for salads, pasta dishes, and as a topping for roasted vegetables.
This organic feta is crafted with care, reflecting the creamery's commitment to sustainability and high-quality ingredients, making it a flavorful addition to any cheese platter or culinary creation.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2015
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