For 40 years, Vermont Creamery has been quietly shaking up the cheese game. What started as a big idea on a small Vermont farm has grown into a national name known for top-notch goat cheese. This year, they’re celebrating their milestone anniversary with something special: the debut of a brand-new cheese that’s equal parts tribute and innovation—meet Hooper.
A Cheese with a Story
Named after co-founder Allison Hooper, Hooper isn’t just another cheese—it’s a celebration of Vermont Creamery’s journey. Back in 1984, Allison teamed up with Bob Reese to introduce French-style goat cheese to American palates. Fast-forward 40 years, and Vermont Creamery is now a leader in artisanal dairy, crafting award-winning cheeses that have elevated American cheese boards everywhere.
Hooper honors that legacy while offering something fresh. It’s Vermont Creamery’s first-ever washed-rind cheese, crafted from a blend of goat and cow’s milk, and it comes in a unique donut shape (yes, a cheese donut!). This design isn't just for fun—it helps the cheese ripen perfectly, giving you an ultra-creamy texture with layers of rich, complex flavor.
The Rind That Makes All the Difference
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. Vermont Creamery has mastered the art of creating Geotrichum rind cheeses, known for their signature wrinkled appearance. If you’re into cheese, you know these rinds are crucial for developing that bold, melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor. Think their fan-favorite cheeses like St. Albans and Bonne Bouche.
Hooper takes this expertise to the next level. It’s washed in French gray sea salt brine, creating that iconic wrinkled rind that cheese lovers crave. But it’s not just about looks—this rind helps build a flavor profile that’s funky, fruity, buttery, and savory all at once. It’s the kind of cheese that surprises you with every bite, starting with the rind and unfolding into something new with each slice.
Get Your Hands on Hooper
If you’re ready to upgrade your cheese board, Hooper is now available at Whole Foods and select indie cheese shops. You can also score it online or in-store at Murray’s Cheese, but heads up—it’s only around for a limited time, so don’t wait too long.
_
For more information about Vermont Creamery visit their website.
Comments