Shepsog

Producer

Grafton Village Cheese

Country

United States

Region

Vermont

Weight

11 lbs

Website

http://www.graftonvillagecheese.com/

Milk

Cow
Sheep

Treatment

Raw

Classification

Firm

Rennet

Microbial

Rind

Natural

Style

Alpine-style
Grana / Grating cheese

Located in Vermont, the Grafton Cooperative Cheese Company was originally founded in 1892 with the purpose of converting surplus milk from local dairy farmers into cheese. Years later, a fire destroyed the original factory.

The factory and the company were restored in the mid-1960s by The Windham Foundation, a philanthropic organization that supports the rural community surrounding Grafton via educational and practical means. Today Grafton Cheese handcrafts artisanal, aged cheddar and specialty cheeses. Proceeds from the sale of these cheeses support the Windham Foundation’s charitable efforts.

Shepsog means ‘sheep’ in the indigenous Native American Algonquin language, and the cheese is a true Vermont original. It's a mixed milk cheese that ages in Grafton’s caves for a minimum of five months. It’s available only in fall and winter. 

Tasting Notes

Shepsog is complex and earthy, with a butter-yellow semi-firm paste protected by a velvety natural rind of white and gray molds. Its flavor is round and rich, with a sweet and nutty finish.

Pairings

Pair Shepsog with a Syrah.