The Signature Box

In the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts, Highlawn Farm milks a herd of 100% Jersey cows, and that rich, fatty milk is turned into cheese, butter, ice cream, and other wholesome dairy products. The herd grazes on fresh grass in the summer months, has waterbeds to sleep on in winter, and is never given growth hormones. The farm grows all its feed for the winter months.

Highlawn Queen is a cheesemonger's favorite. This brie-style cheese is decadent with grassy, buttery flavors and a delicious edible rind.

Farm/Producer/Importer: Highlawn Farm
Place: Lee, MA
Style: Bloomy
Milk Type: Cow
Rennet: Traditional
Age: 2-6 Weeks
Pairing: Beaujolais, Kölsch

In 2003, esteemed cheddar producer Cabot had a burning desire to produce a more traditional cloth-wrapped cheddar, something a bit more artisan, a definite departure from their usual cheddar. The only problem was that they did not have the type of aging caves needed to age a bandaged-wrapped cheddar. After a bit of searching, they heard about two brothers, Andy and Mateo Kehler, in Greensboro, VT, who were making cheese and aging it on their farm. A collaboration ensued, and their partnership endures. The wheels are produced at Cabotand then sent to the Cellars at Jasper Hill Farm to be aged to their brothy, buttery, earthy glory. The texture is slightly crumbly and crystalline but melts in your mouth. This wheel was selected just for us. Cabot Clothbound is an award-winning cheese, winning Best in Show at the American Cheese Society Conference in 2006.

Farm/Producer/Importer: Cabot Cooperative Creamery/Cellars at Jasper Hill
Place: Greensboro, VT
Style: Firm
Milk Type: Pasteurized cow
Rennet: Vegetarian
Age: 9-13 months
Pairing: Pinot Noir, sparkling cider, or a hoppy ale

Stilton is one of the most famous cheeses in England, and Colston Bassett Dairy handcrafts ours in Nottinghamshire. Colston Bassett purchases their milk from five neighboring farms. The truckles (cylinder wheels) are hand-selected by Neal's Yard Dairy for us and are produced to their specifications-they must use traditional rennet and are less pierced. Hence, the sweet, buttery flavors shine through and balance the blue, minerally tones.

Farm/Producer/Importer: Colston Bassett Dairy/ Neal's Yard Dairy
Place: Nottinghamshire, England
Style: Blue
Milk Type: Cow
Rennet: Traditional
Age: 3-4 months
Pairing: Port, Imperial IPA

Crafted from Aegean figs, Divina Fig Spread is deeply fruity and complex with notes of caramel and honey. It is the ideal cheese pairing.

Located in Marin County, north of San Francisco, Rustic Bakery produces top-notch crackers and baked goods. We think these Olive Oil & Sel Gris flatbreads are the perfect match to cheese. They are made by hand with organic grains and extra-virgin olive oil, and finished with a sprinkling of French sea salt. Their flaky, crunchy texture is light yet crispy.