Humboldt Fog

The Original American Original

Wheel of Humboldt Fog cut in half to show line of ash
Humboldt Fog - Cat Dreams of Cheese - Source

Humboldt Fog is a soft goat’s milk cheese made by Cypress Grove Cheese in California, USA.

The Creamery was established in the 1980’s by Mary Keehn. Unbeknownst to her, her creamery was about to play a pivotal role in the artisanal cheese movement in the United States.

What North Americans perceived as cheese was shifting. Moreover, it was moving from orange slices wrapped in clear plastic to small batch farmhouse cheeses made and matured with love and care.

Mary had a dream

Conceived in a dream by Mary Keehn, this masterpiece pioneered the way for soft-ripened goat cheese in America.

Effectively, the cheesemaker handcrafts each wheel using pasteurised goat’s milk and microbial rennet. Once the cheese is formed, an affineur matures the wheels for a minimum of 5 weeks.

That line of ash

Actually, the cheese is instantly recognisable due to its paper thin edible white rind and that delicate line of vegetable ash.

On the palate, you will detect buttermilk and fresh cream, as well as flowery notes and grassy undertones. Also, look out for a crisp citrous finish. As the cheese ages, its creamline grows and its flavour deepens.

Remarkably, this cheese won first-place awards from the American Cheese Society in 1998, 2002 and 2005.

How to pair Humboldt Fog

Enjoy at room temperature all year round with a glass of Farmhouse Ale or Sour, a fresh Rosé or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

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