Best Oregonian Cow's Milk Cheese Types
Oregon Blue is an American blue cheese made from raw cow's milk. The cheese ages for a minimum of 90 days in Rogue Creamery's caves. The texture is firm and buttery, and the aromas are earthy and clean. The flavors are mellow, sweet, and buttery, with hints of cream.
On the inside, there are veins of earthy blue molds. Oregon Blue has been produced since 1957 and has won numerous awards. It's recommended to pair it with a glass of Riesling or Pinot Noir.
Pair with
Habanero Cheddar is an American cheese hailing from Oregon. This semi-hard cheese is pressed into blocks and it's made from pasteurized cow's milk, habanero chili peppers, and spices. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is crumbly and creamy.
The aroma is spicy, while the flavors are spicy, tangy, and savory. The cheese melts well so it's often used in grilled cheese sandwiches, but it can also be melted over burgers and nachos.
Oregonzola is an American Gorgonzola-style cheese hailing from Oregon, hence the name. It was created by Ignazio Vella in the late 1990s. The cheese is made from cow's milk and it's aged in Rogue Creamery caves for at least 6 months. During the maturation period, the cheese develops its smooth, creamy, moist, and buttery texture of the paste, which is laced with distinct blue veins.
The aromas are fruity, while the flavors are tangy, sweet, and savory, with hints of caramel and pepper coming from the blue mold.
Smokey Oregon Blue is an American blue cheese produced in Oregon. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk and it's also the world's first smoked blue. The wheels are cold-smoked over hazelnut shells, usually for 16 hours. Underneath the natural rind, the texture is firm and dense.
The aromas are smoky, nutty, and milky, while the flavors are earthy, sharp, caramel-like, sweet and savory. It's recommended to pair Smokey Oregon Blue with a glass of ale which will counterbalance the sharpness of the cheese.
Caveman Blue is an American blue cheese hailing from Oregon, where it's produced by Rogue Creamery. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk and it's aged in caves for a minimum of 6 months. As a result, the natural rind is speckled with mold, and underneath it the texture is dense, firm, and buttery.
The aromas are fresh and grassy, while the flavors are complex - fresh, sweet, milky, and buttery, with hints of bacon, beef, vanilla, and hay. Use it on hamburgers or eat it with crackers and a glass of bold red wine.
Cheddar La Di Da Lavender is an American cheese hailing from Central Point, Oregon, where it's produced by Rogue Creamery. The cheese is mdae from pasteurized cow's milk that's infused with local lavender blossom. It's left to age for at least 30 days before consumption.
Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-hard, smooth, and creamy. The aroma is earthy, while the flavors are savory, floral, subtle, buttery, and slightly tangy. It's recommended to serve La Di Da Lavender on a dessert platter with honey, chocolate, scones, or shortbread.
Hopyard Cheddar is an American cheese hailing from Oregon, where it's produced by Rogue Creamery. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and it's usually left to age for at least 30 days before consumption. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-hard, crumbly, and buttery.
The aromas are fresh and herbaceous with notes of nutmeg, while the flavors are savory, subtle, lemony, buttery, and nutty, with notes of hop petals. It's recommended to pair Hopyard Cheddar with a bottle of IPA due to the light citrusy flavor of the cheese.
Pair with
TouVelle Original is an American cheese hailing from Oregon, where it's produced by Rogue Creamery. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and it's usually left to age for over a month before consumption. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-hard, firm, and crumbly.
The aromas are mild and buttery, while the flavors are nutty, sweet, milky, and tangy, with hints of vanilla, chocolate, and sweet cream. The cheese melts well, so it's recommended to use it in grilled cheese sandwiches, casseroles, or sauces. Pair it with a glass of Pinot Gris or Chablis for the best experience.
Pair with
Cacow Belle is an American cheddar cheese hailing from Oregon, where it's produced by Rogue Creamery. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk, artisan chocolate, and spices. It's usually aged for over 30 days before consumption.
Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-soft, smooth, creamy, and marbled (due to the chocolate). The aromas are intense and spicy, while the flavors are savory, sweet, and spicy. It's recommended to pair this seasonal cheese with coffee, Riesling, Barolo Amarone, or tawny port.
Pair with
Pistol Point Cheddar is an American cheddar cheese hailing from Oregon, where it's produced by Rogue Creamery. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and it's aged for over 30 days before consumption. The curds are rolled in smokey ground chipotle, resulting in a reddish-orange marbled visual appearance.
Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-hard, creamy, and crumbly. The flavors are smokey, spicy, and savory. It's recommended to pair Pistol Point Cheddar with a brown ale or a smoked lager on the side.
Pair with
Best Oregonian Cow's Milk Cheese Producers
Briar Rose Creamery is located in Dundee, Oregon, and specializes in handcrafting small-batch artisan cheeses. The creamery produces a variety of cheeses including goat cheeses and aged cow's milk cheeses. They focus on sustainable practices and source their milk from local dairies.
Briar Rose is especially known for its fresh chevre and chocolate goat cheese truffles.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2022, 2017, 2015, 2011
BEST Briar Rose Creamery Cheeses
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2016, 2013
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024
BEST Walla Walla Cheese Company Cheeses
Best Oregonian Cow's Milk Cheeses
Fromage Blanc made by Briar Rose Creamery is a fresh, soft cheese characterized by its creamy and tangy flavor. Produced in small batches, this cheese offers a versatile option that can be enjoyed spread on toast, blended into desserts, or used as an ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.
It is typically made from high-quality, locally sourced milk, ensuring a fresh and authentic taste.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
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