Best Arcata Goat Cheese Types
Humboldt Fog is an American cheese produced in Arcata, California. The cheese is made with goat's milk and has a paper-thin bloomy rind. Inside, there is a semi-soft body with a creamy, smooth, and slightly runny texture, due to the fact that Humboldt Fog ripens from the outside to the centre.
The cheese is distinguished by a layer of edible ash on the interior, which is actually a nod to the French Morbier cheese. The aromas of this cheese are pungent and floral, while the flavors are citrusy, tangy, and slightly lemony. It is recommended to drizzle it with honey and serve it with almonds, tart apples, or prosciutto.
Pair with
Midnight Moon is a gouda-style cheese that's produced in the Netherlands and sold under the Cypress Grove label in Arcata, California. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and it's left to age from 6 to 12 months before consumption.
Underneath its waxed rind, the texture is smooth, dense, grainy, and hard. The aromas are sweet and nutty, while the flavors are buttery, nutty, sweet, and savory with hints of butterscotch and caramel. It's recommended to pair Midnight Moon with a glass of Zinfandel, Syrah, or sherry.
Herbs de Humboldt is an American cheese hailing from Arcata, California, where it's produced by Cypress Grove Chevre. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and herbes de Provence spice blend. The texture of this rindless cheese is smooth, creamy, crumbly, and spreadable.
The aromas are fresh and herbal, while the flavors are earthy, floral, and herbaceous. It's recommended to use Herbs de Humboldt on pizzas. Pair it with a glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Truffle Tremor is an American soft-ripened cheese made in Arcata, California by Cypress Grove Chevre. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk. Underneath the rind, the texture is dense, smooth, and creamy, mottled with small pieces of black truffles.
As the cheese ages, the body becomes softer next to the rind, giving off slightly herbaceous hints. The aromas are earthy and milky, while the flavors are tangy, creamy, acidic, and earthy. It's recommended to pair it with wines such as Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling.
Sgt. Pepper is a fresh American cheese produced in California by Cypress Grove Chevre. The cheese is made from goat's milk and a secret combination of pepper threads, exotic spices, and four peppers. The texture is smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
The aromas are fresh, while the flavors are complex and pleasantly spicy. It's recommended to use the cheese in burgers and pair it with a glass of Porter or Stout. Regarding wines, go with Pinot Noir. Interestingly, this fresh cheese won first place at the American Cheese Society in 2012.
Bermuda Triangle is an American cheese that was created in 1997 by Cypress Grove Chevre. The cheese is shaped into a triangular prism, hence the name. It's made from pasteurized goat's milk and ages for 2 weeks, although it can be left to mature even longer.
Bermuda Triangle is dusted with ash before a velvety, bloomy rind develops. This soft-ripened cheese is traditionally thinly sliced with a wire, resulting in a stunning visual presentation on a cheeseboard. The texture is smooth, dense, and slightly crumbly when young, but with age the paste breaks down, becoming softer and almost runny.
Pair with
Ms. Natural is an American cheese hailing from Arcata, California, where it's produced by Cypress Grove Chevre. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and it's rindless. The texture is fresh, soft, creamy, smooth, slightly crumbly, and spreadable.
The aromas are mild and fresh, while the flavors are creamy with a citrusy finish. It's recommended to serve Ms. Natural with freshly cooked pasta. Pair it with a glass of Prosecco, Sancerre, or Sauvignon Blanc for the best experience. The cheese has won many awards, including the first place at the US Cheese Championship in 2010 and 2011.
Best Arcata Goat Cheese Producers
Cypress Grove is a cheese producer that specializes in goat cheese varieties. The company began with a few goats to provide milk for her children. Cypress Grove gained popularity with its flagship product, Humboldt Fog, a soft-ripened cheese with a distinctive layer of edible ash.
The company has expanded its product line to include other types of fresh and aged goat cheeses.
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2014, 2010

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2022
BEST Cypress Grove Cheeses
Best Arcata Goat Cheeses
Bermuda Triangle is a distinctive cheese produced by Cypress Grove Chevre, which is known for its artisanal goat cheeses. This cheese has a unique triangular shape and a bloomy rind, making it visually striking. It boasts a creamy texture with a tangy, earthy flavor profile that intensifies as it matures.
Bermuda Triangle is typically enjoyed on cheese boards, paired with fresh fruits, or incorporated into various culinary dishes.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2016, 2014, 2013, 2002
Truffle Tremor by Cypress Grove Chevre is a distinctive soft-ripened goat cheese infused with black truffles. The cheese combines the creamy, tangy characteristics of classic goat cheese with the earthy, garlicky, and mushroom-like notes of black truffles, which are dispersed throughout the cheese.
Its texture is soft and moist with a good balance of crumble and creaminess, making it particularly luxurious. Additionally, its rind is thin, which allows the intense aroma and flavors of the truffles to stand out prominently. This cheese is celebrated for its rich flavors and exceptional texture, making it a favorite among gourmets and cheese lovers alike.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2014, 2012, 2009

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2014
Herb Chevre by Cypress Grove Chevre is an artisanal goat cheese that combines the smooth, creamy texture of fresh chevre with a blend of carefully selected herbs. This cheese is known for its vibrant, tangy flavor, enhanced by the aromatic, savory notes from the herbs.
It is often used as a spread on crackers, incorporated into salads, or as a flavorful addition to various dishes.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2009, 2005, 2004, 2003
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2018, 2016
Chevre Log by Cypress Grove Chevre is a fresh goat cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, tangy flavor. The cheese is typically made from high-quality, pasteurized goat's milk. Cypress Grove Chevre, based in Humboldt County, California, is renowned for artisanal cheese-making and uses traditional methods to create their Chevre Log.
The cheese is versatile, often used in salads, on crackers, or incorporated into recipes to enhance dishes with its rich, creamy profile.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2010, 2003, 2001
Purple Haze is a type of cheese produced by Cypress Grove Chevre, a renowned artisanal cheese company known for its high-quality goat cheeses. Purple Haze is a fresh chèvre that is flavored with a unique blend of lavender and fennel pollen, which gives the cheese a distinctive, aromatic, and slightly sweet taste.
The creamy texture of the cheese pairs well with the floral and licorice notes of the added herbs, making it a versatile ingredient for both savory and sweet dishes. It's often enjoyed on its own, spread on crackers or bread, or incorporated into salads and other culinary creations.
AWARDS

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2017, 2005
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2013, 2008
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2019, 2015
Sgt. Pepper is a unique and flavorful goat cheese produced by Cypress Grove Chevre. This cheese is distinguished by its vibrant, hand-rolled rind covered in a blend of crushed red pepper, cayenne, chili, and paprika, which gives it a distinctive spicy kick.
The interior paste of the cheese is creamy and smooth, balancing the outer spicy layer with a mild, tangy flavor typical of high-quality goat cheeses. The combination of the creamy texture and the bold spice mix makes Sgt. Pepper a versatile cheese, suitable for both snacking and culinary applications, such as adding a zesty element to salads or enhancing the flavor profile of a cheese platter.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2012, 2007
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2001
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