WEST ALLIS – A traditional cloth-wrapped and waxed Colby from Deer Creek Cheese in Sheboygan captured the blue ribbon Best in Class award at the 2015 Wisconsin State Fair.
Deer Creek Robin, a partnership between Master Cheesemaker Kerry Henning of Henning’s Cheese in Kiel, and third generation Wisconsin Licensed Cheese Grader Chris Gentine, of The Artisan Cheese Exchange, scored 99.225 out of a perfect 100. The cheese is a throwback to traditional Colby, made in small batches and aged 45 days.
“We are honored the judges at the Wisconsin State Fair recognized Deer Creek Robin as the best Colby made in the state,” Gentine said. “I am a firm believer that our industry is only ever one generation away from losing our best, signature cheeses. I am so proud to partner with Master Cheesemaker Kerry Henning on this project and continue the tradition of authentic Colby in Wisconsin.”
True Colby fans will appreciate Deer Creek Robin’s firm, yet open and curdy texture, with its fresh, buttery taste and pleasant salty finish. Crafted in 12-pound wheels, Gentine says one taste of The Robin will bring back memories of old-fashioned Colby.
Colby was invented in Wisconsin by Joseph F. Steinwand in 1885 and was named for the township in which his father, Ambrose Steinwand, built the first cheese factory. Today, Colby is no longer made in Colby, Wisconsin, but is crafted in 44 cheese factories around the state. A handful of those companies craft Colby in a traditional manner in open vats, lightly pressing the curd in traditional forms, and then dipping the rounds in wax, resulting in a specific flavor profile true to Colby.
Deer Creek Robin is sold in specialty cheese shops and retail markets. For more information, visit www.cheese-exchange.com/DeerCreek/ or contact Gentine at The Artisan Cheese Exchange, 920-803-8100.
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The Artisan Cheese Exchange acts as a bridge between America’s finest cheesemakers and the global retail market by providing services that ensure consumers enjoy the best American artisan cheeses available. Deer Creek Cheeses celebrate the relationship between cheesemaker, cheese grader and affineur, offering a variety of next generation Cheddars and artisan cheeses. www.cheese-exchange.com
Source: The Artisan Cheese Exchange
