Think American cheese begins and ends with individually wrapped yellow squares? Think again.
Join renowned cheese expert Jeffrey A. Babcock for an engaging and delicious journey through the rich landscape of American artisanal cheesemaking. Drawing on decades of experience in the specialty cheese industry, extensive travels throughout Europe, visits to more than eighty dairies, and service as a judge for both the American Cheese Society Competition and the World Cheese Awards, Jeff brings unmatched insight into the people, places, traditions, and innovations shaping American cheese today.
With a unique academic background in religion, myth, and ritual, Jeff approaches cheese not merely as food, but as a living expression of culture, history, and craftsmanship. Throughout this master class, guests will discover how American cheesemakers have adapted centuries-old techniques while creating distinctly American styles that rival the world’s finest cheeses.
The tasting will highlight exceptional cheeses from every corner of the country, including:
The Midwest
Widmer’s Cheese Cellars (Wisconsin) and the fascinating history of America’s original Brick Cheese
Wiebe Dairy (Kansas) and their farmhouse raw milk Cottonwood River Reserve
Uplands Cheese (Wisconsin), producer of some of the most celebrated cheeses in America and the grand finale of the tasting experience
The Northeast
Historic Grafton Village Cheese (Vermont) and their traditional raw milk Shepsog
The pioneering fresh goat cheeses of Vermont Creamery
New York’s own Five Spoke Creamery, showcasing locally crafted Porter Tomme
The South
Sweet Grass Dairy (Georgia), one of the South’s most acclaimed cheesemakers, featuring their distinctive Southern-inspired creations
The West Coast
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company (California) and their award-winning blue cheeses
Fiscalini Farmstead Cheese and celebrated California classics including San Joaquin
Historic Marin French Cheese Co., America’s oldest cheese company, featuring fresh cheese favorites
Along the way, Jeff will share stories from the dairies, discuss the evolution of the American artisan cheese movement, and explain what makes these producers among the most respected names in the industry today.
Whether you’re a dedicated cheese lover or simply curious about what American cheesemakers are creating beyond the yellow slice, this master class offers a flavorful and fascinating exploration of one of America’s greatest culinary success stories. Come taste, learn, and discover why some of the world’s most exciting cheeses are being made right here at home.