by Anita Skogland

Grafton Village is home to one of the few remaining cheese co-ops in Vermont. Photo by Canva

The Cheese: Shepsog, Grafton Village Cheese Company, Vermont 

Where to Purchase: Mere’s, Myers Park
Price: $42.99/lb.

The Style: Firm cheese that crumbles when cut. It is made from a blend of high-fat cow milk and sheep milk. The gray rind is not edible.
Flavor Profile: Almond, sweet milk, caramel, whipped cream, hint of citrus

How to Enjoy: This is a very versatile cheese. Grate it on roasted asparagus, serve with honey and roasted nuts, slice and plate with prosciutto and cornichons, use with a cream-based pasta dish.

Wine Pairings: Rioja, zinfandel, Brunello, sauvignon blanc, albariño, Normandy apple cider

Extra Reading: Shepsog is produced by Grafton Village Cheese Company, one of the few dairy co-ops remaining in Vermont. The co-op formed in 1892 with the goal of using excess milk from local dairies to make cheese. Cheese sales would provide an additional revenue source during the cold winter months. This cheese has been a consistent award winner in national and international competitions.