From its humble and unexpected beginning to its rise as an iconic, award-winning American goat cheese, Humboldt Fog has not exactly followed the traditional cheesemaking journey. With its stunning signature look, plus legions of diehard Humboldt Fog fans, it continues to defy definition as every slice reveals a cheese that is far more than you’d expect.
A DAILY REMINDER THAT DREAMS COME TRUE.
In 1992, Mary Keehn, the Founder of Cypress Grove, dreamt up a cheese — literally. In her dream, Mary borrowed from the classic traditions of French cheesemakers and added a generous amount of American irreverence and ingenuity. What emerged from this dream was a boldly unique creation: Humboldt Fog.
WANT TO SEE SUCCESS OF THE AMERICAN CHEESE MOVEMENT?
MEET THE ORIGINAL AMERICAN ORIGINAL.
“American Originals” is a category at the famous American Cheese Society judging and competition, and Humboldt Fog has set the stage for the artistic freedom that many American cheesemakers enjoy and pursue today. Since it began, Humboldt Fog has occupied a special place within the American specialty landscape, and has continued to grow alongside the American Cheese Society and its incredible legion of cheesemakers. As it meets the future, this distinctive brand will stay true to its mission while meeting the changing needs of customers and consumers.
NECESSITY TRULY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION.
Humboldt Fog’s unconventional cheesemaking process was born out of stark necessity. Traditionally cheesemakers fill many forms and allow gravity to pull the moisture out over a period of time in order to achieve their desired texture. In the early days, Cypress Grove didn’t have enough money for more than a few cheese forms, so Mary Keehn allowed the wet curd to hang longer so she could hand-pack the resulting drier curd into forms lined with cheesecloth — and then immediately turn out the cheese and reuse the form again.
EVEN IN THE REALM OF MODERNITY, CRAFTSMANSHIP CAN REMAIN HANDS-ON, ENSURING SAFETY AND DELICIOUSNESS.
Cypress Grove adheres to the highest level of the international food safety program ISO: FSSC22k. From their best-in-class, Humane Certified goat dairy to their modern, hands-on creamery, they leave nothing to chance when crafting Humboldt Fog. The result? A taste that delivers pure, clean, and unforgettable flavors.
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
The ribbon of black ash that feathers when cut with a cheese wire mimics the coastal fog, a near-constant presence in Humboldt County. This serves as a reminder of Cypress Grove’s commitment to its local roots. Since its inception in 1983, the company has remained nestled in rural Humboldt County, California. Their home not only defines their brand but also influences their cheeses. Cypress Grove has forged strong bonds with the hardworking individuals who ensure their cheese reaches consumers, despite the challenges posed by their remote location, which lies 5.5 hours north of San Francisco. However, the journey there, through wine country and towering redwood forests, is undoubtedly worth it!
A TRANSFORMATIVE, MAGICAL PROCESS.
Cheesemaking is a craft as old as civilization itself. Cypress Grove is honored to play a part in this time-honored tradition that has witnessed centuries of evolution and revolution. While they may not be the first cheesemakers, they strive to be the best, leading by example and prioritizing innovation and education in their category and beyond. Some examples include the whimsical flavor combinations like Purple Haze (fennel pollen and lavender), educational materials like The Secret Life of Cheese (below), their state-of-the-art model goat dairy, or recent innovations: Meyer Lemon and Honey and Cheddar to name a few.
A LIVING, BREATHING, EVOLVING CHEESE!
Humboldt Fog has flavor notes of buttermilk and fresh cream, but as with other soft-ripened cheeses, its flavor and texture really transform as it ages. Its flavors become more assertive and piquant, and the creamline develops into a thing of beauty. This is The Secret Life of Humboldt Fog.
SHOULD IT BE KEPT IN THE FRIDGE… OR A FRAME?
It’s fair to say that Humboldt Fog resembles a work of art. Just look at its bright white paste, with an oozy creamline, and the distinctive ribbon of vegetable ash gently running through the center.
This unique look, established on day one, highlights the unique character and essence of Humboldt Fog, making it a showstopper on any cheeseboard where it appears.
Most recently, Humboldt Fog was awarded Best in Class at the World Championship Cheese Competition in 2024, but Humboldt Fog has won numerous awards including first and second place at the American Cheese Society Judging and Competition in multiple years, first place at London’s International Cheese Competition, and Best of California at the California State Fair in 2019 and 2023, among others. Outside of cheese and into design, Humboldt Fog won Top 100 Designs Worldwide from Metropolitan Home Magazine in 2003.
That unmistakable taste is matched only by Humboldt Fog’s unmistakable look, one that has been beautifully captured by artist Mike Geno. Renowned as a cheese artist (the best kind of artist!) his cheese portraits have inspired the cheese community and beyond with his unique blend of colors, textures and perspectives that reflect the true beauty that is the aspiration of every individual cheesemaker.
Artist Mike Geno literally framed Humboldt Fog, or a version of it, so that fans can see it on their walls every day.
DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
“Humboldt Fog is like a social sidekick.” Yup, they said that. Consumers in a recent research project told Cypress Grove that Humboldt Fog was a key part of their social occasions. When guests were coming over, putting out the Humboldt Fog would make a host feel confident, calm, and would bring a smile as it impressed their guests.
There’s nothing quite like the Humboldt Fog feeling. Part of it can be described, and part of it is something that people just feel. For a serious cheese that never takes itself too seriously, Humboldt Fog is glad to know that people feel great about this unique American cheese that is—without a doubt—more than just a cheese.
Cypress Grove
Cypress Grove was founded in 1983 by Mary Keehn. Cypress Grove is one of America's best known artisan goat cheese companies and makers of the iconic Humboldt Fog.
