Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) proudly announces the release of Tillamook® Maker's Reserve 2013 and 2020 vintages into the brand's storied Maker's Reserve program. Every year, TCCA introduces a 10-year (2013) and a three-year (2020) aged extra sharp white cheddar into its specialty line of Tillamook® Maker's Reserve cheeses. These vintages join the 2012, 2017, 2018, and 2019 varieties in the Maker's Reserve portfolio.
Jill Allen, Director of Product Excellence, TCCA, has been involved with the Maker's Reserve program since its inception. In her role, she leads the sensory tasting team to identify the flavors, textures, and aromas that elevate a cheese vintage to "Maker's Reserve worthy" status. Allen also creates flavor maps of the Maker's Reserve cheese vintages, while working closely with the TCCA chef to develop exceptional food and beverage pairing recommendations for these elite cheeses.
"Our Maker's Reserve Cheddars reflect an outstanding recipe, unusually good ingredients, and of course, the all-important factor…time," said Allen. "It is truly a special cheddar that ages and transforms into a unique tasting experience. Just as special as these vintages are the people making them – a team that uses pride, passion, and patience to produce award-winning cheeses with an unforgettable flavor, year after year."
Following a long, natural aging process, Allen and her team of tasting experts gather to grade every batch of cheese, measuring it against the TCCA's signature flavor profile to choose the best-of-the-best batches to become Maker's Reserve. Only a select few batches make the cut for this exclusive vintage program, which has earned awards and honors in some of the most prestigious cheese competitions, including the American Cheese Society, the U.S. Champion Cheese Contest, the World Champion Cheese Contest, and the International Cheese Awards.
Tillamook Maker's Reserve latest vintage tasting notes:
The 2013 and 2020 vintages can be purchased in the Tillamook Creamery in Tillamook, Ore., the Tillamook Market at the Portland International Airport (PDX) and at shop.tillamook.com. The 2013 vintage will be sold – exclusively – at Whole Foods Market stores across the country beginning in February.
To find additional vintages within the Maker's Reserve line up, visit tillamook.com/where-to-buy. To learn more about Tillamook's Maker's Reserve program and discover the perfect pairings for each vintage, visit tillamook.com/makersreserve.