We’ve got lobster, we’ve got seafood and we’ve got TONS of blueberry pie. But, did you know we’ve also got cheese? From canning to homebrew to homemade whoopie pies, there are a fair few Mainers who have taken the local food scene into their own hands to produce something they’re passionate about. This is a great example of that Maine spirit…and, it produces some pretty great cheese!
Kurt Rauscher is the heart of a wonderful cheese business in Bristol, Maine.
The Creamery at Bristolhof / Facebook
The Creamery at Bristolhof, which means “Bristol Farm” in German, was launched in his own home.
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
The Creamery uses their own starter cultures as well as eco-certified animal rennet and sea salt.
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
One of the most important ingredients for this handmade dairy delicacy is the organic milk from local Jersey cows that’s used in every batch.
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
Wheels of cheese are pressed three times a week, complete with his own mark.
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
While the finished product is remarkable, it’s the process that’s truly unique.
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
When Kurt turned cheese making into a full time operation, he decided to keep things authentic by building an actual cheese cave in which to age his product.
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
With the help of friends, the cave was built in about seven months in the old Roman Arch style.
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
The blocks of concrete used to construct the ceiling weigh about 1,400 pounds. Each!
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
And, the European details stay true to his German roots.
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
The Creamery’s cheese wheels weigh about six pounds.
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
And they spend from three to 10 months aging inside.
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
The cave temperature sits at a consistent 50 degrees with about 90 percent humidity.
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
In February 2017, The Creamery at Bristolhof began producing cheeses year-round.
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
Today, you can purchase cheeses from the Creamery at Bristolhof directly.
The Creamery at Bristolhof / Facebook
Or, look for them in local shops throughout Maine.
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
To learn more about The Creamery at Bristolhof, including interviews and more cheese-making information, check out Katie Bavoso’s video here:
The Creamery at Bristolhof / Facebook
Katie Bavoso / YouTube
The Creamery at Bristolfhof is located at 45 Hanley Farm Rd., Bristol, Maine. You can call them on 207-380-1836. Cheese can be purchased at the Belfast Market, which also has a bit more information about The Creamery on their website.
Hopefully cheese will soon become synonymous with Maine! In the meantime, here are the 11 foods that all Mainers miss when they leave the state. Check them out to see which ones you’ll need to bring with you if you ever decided to move.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
