Factory Tour, tastings:
Q Street, Arcata, Humboldt County, California, USAExperimental phase: initial rating derived from official awards and critic reviews
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2012, 2007
Sgt. Pepper is a unique and flavorful goat cheese produced by Cypress Grove Chevre. This cheese is distinguished by its vibrant, hand-rolled rind covered in a blend of crushed red pepper, cayenne, chili, and paprika, which gives it a distinctive spicy kick.
Cypress Grove is an American cheese producer based in Arcata, California, known for its innovative and award-winning goat cheeses. The company was founded in 1983 by Mary Keehn, who started with just two goats, Hazel and Esmeralda, in search of healthy milk for her family.
Her passion for raising goats and making cheese quickly grew into a serious business, and today Cypress Grove is recognized as a leader in the American goat cheese industry. The company’s most famous product is Humboldt Fog, a unique creamy goat cheese with a layer of ash in the middle, reflecting a blend of tradition and innovation in every bite.
Cypress Grove prides itself on a sustainable approach to production, using green building standards and implementing eco-friendly initiatives in its creamery. Their philosophy is based on respect for animals, high-quality ingredients, and the preservation of the natural environment, allowing them to produce cheeses with rich, full flavor without compromising on ethics or environmental responsibility.