Billy Blue

Producer

Carr Valley Cheese Co

Country

United States

Region

Wisconsin

Size

4 inches high, 7 inches diameter

Weight

6 lbs

Website

www.carrvalleycheese.com

Milk

Goat

Classification

Firm
Blue

Rennet

Vegetable

Rind

None

Style

Blue

Located in the rolling hills of central Wisconsin, Carr Valley Cheese remains one of Wisconsin's most traditional cheese plants, famous for its Wisconsin cheddar varieties, as well as a host of more modern cheeses. Now owned and operated by Sid Cook, Carr Valley was founded in 1902, but the Cook family has been making cheese since 1883.  

Sid is a fourth generation cheesemaker. The first cheese plant that his father operated was in Irish Valley, where Sid worked with his father for several years before taking over the business in the mid 70's.  During this time Sid also learned how to make his own cultures from his father and grandfather.   He and his brother made Wisconsin-style cheddar at that location for ten years, and Sid eventually purchased Carr Valley in 1986 and another cheesemaking facility in 1991, with a layout that would allow for more flexibility and the development of more styles of cheese.  

Carr Valley now sources cow's milk from 40 farms, all located within 20 miles of the plant, and each milking no more than 70 cows. Sheep's milk comes largely from one dairy and goat's milk from a group of eight farms in the Green Bay area. Carr Valley makes over 100 different cheeses.

Made from local goat's milk, Billy Blue is a blue cheese aged for a minimum of four months before release. The ivory-colored paste is shot through with pockets and veins of blue that produce a slightly crumbly texture.

Tasting Notes

Flavors are fresh, tangy and assertive yet balanced by the savory notes of the goat's milk.