Just when you thought Wisconsin couldn’t develop anymore amazing varieties of cheese the cheesemakers at Roth have introduced a new limited production soft-ripened cheese dubbed Monroe. This cheese is a nod to the town Roth was founded in more than 25 years ago. Monroe is semi-soft, pasteurized, animal rennet and aged 30 days. Made in approximately 1.6 lb wheels, the limited production cheese is smeared and turned by hand every day as it ages for 30 days in cellars adjacent to Roth’s celebrated and award-winning Grand Cru alpine-style cheeses.
Crafted by cheesemaker Madeline Kuhn, Monroe is the only cheese of its kind made in Wisconsin.
“We wanted to create a cheese that showcased who we are as cheesemakers,” said Kuhn. “We have been making washed-rind cheeses for more than 25 years and it was time to introduce something new and exciting with that expertise. After years of perfecting the perfect soft-ripened cheese, Monroe was finally born in a little corner of our cellars.”
Monroe’s brine-washed rind is tan with hints of pink and tacky to the touch. The interior has a luxuriously creamy texture with a fudge-like density true to traditional double cream cheeses.
Since each wheel is hand-smeared, Monroe is currently made in limited production and available only at select cheese shops and specialty stores including Whole Foods Markets in the Midwest and Murray’s Cheese Shop in New York City, among a few other local shops.
But, Monroe has people turning heads for more than just its uniqueness. At its debut at the 2017 World Cheese Awards, the cheese took home a Bronze Medal and at the 2018 World Cheese Championship, it scored a whopping 99.45 points in its category.
Roth cheeses are made using the freshest, local Wisconsin milk. Their traditional cheeses are inspired by their Swiss heritage, like Grand Cru, innovative Wisconsin originals such as Roth Prairie Sunset and Roth GranQueso, and everyday favorites like Buttermilk Blue, Havarti and Gouda. They have earned top awards for our cheese from national and international competitions, including the title of World Champion at the 2016 World Championship Cheese Contest for Roth Grand Cru Surchoix. Learn more at rothcheese.com.
