by Austin Coe Butler
Continuing our series on American Cheese Society Award Winners, this week we’re featuring another Minnesota winner—Shepherd’s Way Farm in Nerstrand! Shepherd’s Way won in the following categories:
Burr Oak – 3rd Place – Sheep’s Milk Cheese Aged Over 60 Days
Sogn – 3rd Place – Farmstead Category Sheep’s Milk Cheese Aged Over 60 Days
What more needs to be written about Shepherd’s Way Farm? I maintain that Jodi is the nicest person working in cheese, which is saying a lot, and that Shepherd’s Way is producing some of the best cheese in the state.
Their ACS winning cheeses are no exception. Burr Oak an extra-firm, extra-nutty aged cheese is a special release and isn’t currently available, but Sogn Tomme (pronounced SOHN) has become a year-round counter staple for us. It’s bright, mineral tang makes it the perfect companion whether you’re enjoying the summer sun or burrowed away in the bleak, midwinter. Sogn is one of Shepherd’s Way’s newest cheeses, and last year at ACS it actually won 1st place in its category!
We have a lovely selection of Shepherd’s Way cheeses in our case at the moment from their creamy brie-like Hidden Falls and tangy Big Woods Blue to Sogn Tomme and a few flavors of Shepherd’s Hope, their divine, fresh sheep’s milk cheese that is somewhere between feta and mozzarella in taste and consistency. To me, Shepherd’s Way Farm’s cheeses all scream refreshing, something we’ll need this broiling weekend. Swing by the shop this week to try some more award winning cheese made right here in Minnesota (and enjoy the AC)!