Mt Tam: Cowgirl Creamery’s Signature Cheese

Cheese Atlas — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 06:48:49 +0000

Mt Tam is an organic triple cream cheese with a heart. It is made by Cowgirl Creamery in California, USA.

Two friends take a trip to San Francisco

In 1976, Sue Conley and Peggy Smith took a hippie trip to San Francisco after graduating from the University of Tennessee. The food scene was about to take off in the Bay Area and they wanted to be part of it.

They both made a name for themselves working in celebrated kitchens around the area. However, by the early 90’s, they wanted a new challenge.

Setting up Tomales Bay Foods

Actually, the challenge they were looking for found them in Pt. Reyes Station. The picturesque township lies about an hour north of San Francisco and would be home to their wholesale distribution business, Tomales Bay Foods.

At their new premises, they found a small cheesemaking room. One of their dear friends, Ellen Straus, convinced them to start making cheese.

An adventure that started with Fromage Blanc and Cottage cheese would eventually lead them to their signature cheese, Mt Tam.

An original American cheese

Named after local icon, Mount Tamalpais, in Marin Country, Mt Tam is a triple cream, organic, bloomy rind cheese.

Moreover, it is made with single source milk from the Tresch Family Farm which is part of the Straus Family Creamery’s network.

What does it taste like?

When young, Mt Tam displays notes of crème fraîche and cultured butter. As it ages, its texture breaks down further and the flavour develops notes of grass and white mushroom.

How to pair Mt Tam

This gorgeous American triple cream pairs playfully with Champagne, Prosecco, local Californian Chardonnay and a sparkling dry Cider.