Inspired by France's celebrated St. Nectaire, Sunny Ridge is a semi-soft goat's milk cheese with a creamy texture, mild character, and remarkable approachability. During aging, each wheel is washed with Is/Was Brewing's rotating selection of craft beers, including sour ales brewed with Michigan peaches. The beer-washing process helps develop the cheese's supple texture while imparting subtle tangy, minerally, and lightly fruity notes. Despite its washed rind, Sunny Ridge remains pleasantly mild, making it an excellent introduction for those new to goat's milk cheeses.
Its balanced flavor makes it equally suited to cheese boards and everyday snacking. Pair it with crackers, crusty bread, fresh fruit, or charcuterie, or enjoy it alongside cured meats like wild boar salami. It also melts beautifully into sandwiches and pairs well with roasted vegetables, adding a creamy richness and gentle complexity without overwhelming other ingredients.
Located in Port Washington, Wisconsin, Blakesville Creamery is dedicated to crafting award-winning goat's milk cheeses using milk from its own herd. By overseeing every step of production—from caring for the goats to handcrafting each cheese—the creamery produces distinctive artisan cheeses that showcase both traditional inspiration and innovative American craftsmanship.
Beverage Pairings: Belgian saison, farmhouse ale, dry cider, Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, or a lightly oaked Chardonnay.
Awards: American Cheese Society Silver Medal (2022).