For Canadian cheese aficionados, the quest for exceptional aged cheddars often leads them to the illustrious offerings of COWS Creamery in Prince Edward Island. Let’s delve into the rich history and exquisite craftsmanship behind these beloved East Coast Canadian cheeses.
The People Behind COWS Creamery
At the helm of COWS Creamery’s cheese-making operation is Armand Bernard, a seasoned artisan who has been perfecting his craft since 2006. It was in that very year that COWS Creamery, renowned for its ice cream, expanded its horizons to include the production of cheddar cheese. The Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar, COWS Creamery’s flagship cheese, graced the shelves as their inaugural offering and has been amassing awards ever since. In a crowning achievement, the Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar clinched the title of Grand Champion Overall at the prestigious 2022 SIAL International Cheese Competition.
This exceptional cheese is handcrafted in the time-honored tradition of great English cheddars. It is meticulously wrapped in cloth and aged for a span of 12 to 18 months within the confines of a cheese cave located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
Armand Bernard sheds light on the significance of the cloth wrapping, stating, “Wrapping the cheese wheel in cloth lets the cheese breathe. During the aging process, the cheese loses about 10% of its moisture, which helps to concentrate the flavors.” The foundation of this remarkable flavor journey is the premium P.E.I. milk, which is sourced from a land known for its distinctive red soil enriched with iron. The marriage of salt air and iron-rich soil imparts unique flavors to the milk, ultimately influencing the character of COWS Creamery cheddars.
Expanding Their Portfolio
In addition to the acclaimed Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar, COWS Creamery has expanded its portfolio to include other outstanding varieties. This includes the Extra Old Cheddar, along with 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year-aged Cheddars. For those seeking a smoky twist, COWS Creamery offers the naturally smoked Appletree Smoked Cheddar.
Recently, Armand and his team introduced a delightful addition to the COWS Creamery cheese lineup – Blue Moo. This triple cream blue cheese boasts a sumptuously rich, buttery texture and is celebrated for its milder profile compared to some of the sharper European blue cheeses. Blue cheese enthusiasts and novices alike are relishing this exquisite creation.
Armand’s journey from growing up on a dairy farm to becoming a seasoned cheese maker may seem unexpected, but it perfectly aligns with COWS Creamery’s philosophy of striving for excellence. Armand shares that, even after all these years, he continues to learn something new almost every day in the pursuit of crafting the finest cheese.
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