Jacobs & Brichford Farmstead Cheese
As we head into the holiday weekend and kick off summer we’re also closing out American Cheese Month! Celebrating American cheese producers never really ends for us, but we want to take a brief final moment to express to you our love of American cheese makers and in highlighting one of our favorites, Jacobs & Brichford, reiterate why it is that American cheese deserves your attention and adoration every day of the year!
Today we’d like to shine some light on Jacobs & Brichford in Connersville, Indiana. Leslie Jacobs and Matthew Brichford have been running the Brichford family farm since 1981 and there is truly an emphasis on family and community. The land that their grass-fed cows graze on has been in the family since the 1800s and they are steadfast in their commitment to practicing seasonal dairying and cheesemaking. All of Jacobs & Brichford cheeses are made with raw milk from their grass-fed herd which gives each cheese an unmistakable golden-hued paste. Practicing seasonal cheesemaking is truly a work of dedication and love and is a path that prizes quality, substance and flavor over high profit margins. In the summer the cows move through fresh pastures each day, which is good for them, for the land, and for us! You may have heard the use of terroir in relation to a cheese’s flavor profile and Jacobs & Brichford is an excellent example of how the land imparts flavor and character into a cheese.
A true American beauty that is only going to get better as the summer months continue to produce lush grasses, is Ameribella. This gorgeous orange brick is only made during the spring and summer and is aged for at least 60 days. Ameribella is a semisoft, washed rind cheese inspired by cheeses of Northern Italy, like Taleggio. She boasts salty, savory notes and is silky in texture. You don’t want to miss out on this one as it comes into its peak season. Ameribella pairs well with crusty bread and charcuterie--we also think it makes for a killer cheeseburger!
Everton Reserve is a large wheel aged for over a year that is the essence of peak summer flavors preserved. The paste is a beautiful shade of yellow sprinkled with delicious crunchy crystals throughout. Everton Reserve packs a punch with prickly tropical fruit notes and a sweet, savory, salty finish. This is a great picnic or hiking cheese and pairs well with pickled veggies and a cold crisp beer.
Next time you're looking for American cheese we hope you’ll try something special and unique from Jacbos & Brichford -- we promise you won't be disappointed!