Alemar Cheese Company
Apricity
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Apricity, meaning “the warmth of the winter sun,” is Alemar’s newest cheese, crafted from grass-fed cow’s milk and inspired by cheesemaker Charlotte’s time working with small goat’s milk cheeses. Weighing just four ounces, this fluffy, delicate geo-rind lactic-set cheese has been described as the champagne of cheeses—light, airy, and crisp, yet full of flavor and warmth. Its buttery, tangy body reveals notes of tahini and fermented fruit, while aging brings a denser, fudgier texture and the development of a cream line with a balanced barnyardy funk. The rind, reminiscent of a small apple, is both delicate and flavorful, and intended to be eaten. With no single “ideal age,” Apricity offers unique character whether enjoyed fresh from the ripening room or after a few months. Each cheese is hand-portioned and shaped, and the subtle variations between batches highlight its truly artisanal, hand-crafted nature.
Awards: American Cheese Society – 2023 Best in Class
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Apricity is delightful when paired with white wines, ciders, honey, crisp or sour beers.
WINESTYLES: Crisp
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean or Sour, Tart & Funky
About the Creamery:
Alemar Cheese Company, founded in 2008 by Keith Adams and named after his daughters Alexandra and Mariel, began in southern Minnesota with a single Camembert-style cheese, Bent River, made from gently pasteurized milk from grass-fed cows, and quickly gained national acclaim. Over time, it expanded its line to include cheeses like Blue Earth Brie, Good Thunder, St. James, Boom Island, and Apricity—each still made from grass-fed cow’s milk produced by their trusted local farm. In 2019, Alemar relocated to the Food Building in Northeast Minneapolis, joining a community of artisan food makers, and in 2021 brought on Head Cheesemaker Charlotte Serino to bring precision and new creativity to its offerings. Today, Alemar centers its mission on crafting fine, small-batch cheeses in Minnesota, rooted in wholesome milk, careful technique, and continuous experimentation. Learn more here.
Information & Photos © Alemar Cheese Co. – All Rights Reserved.
Firefly Farms
Cabra La Mancha
Maryland
Inspired by cheeses produced high in the Pyrenees mountains of northern Spain’s Basque region. As the cheese ages for 90 days, the cheese makers hand wash, dry brush, and flip each one of these brined orange beauties over and over again until they’re ready. Bello!
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Try this cheese with an Albariño for some bright acidity to balance the tanginess of the cheese. For beer, try with a Belgian Saison whose dry, slightly peppery notes can cut through the creaminess of the cheese.
WINESTYLES: Crisp
BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy
Additional Notes:
The semi-soft, washed-rind favorite with a Spanish accent. Tilting at Iberian windmills seemed overrated. Instead, Firefly Farms tried tilting at Iberian creameries (no cheesemakers were harmed in the process). Lo and behold, as they rode off into the sunset, they realized they had speared wheels of washed-rind cheese on their lances (aka tongues). The fruit of their bravery and their quest: to recreate the taste of those wheels and avoid the necessity of further armed conflict.
About the Creamery:
Not all milk is created equal. Firefly Farms works with local farmers to create fair pricing, long-term sustainability, and most important of all, happy goats and cows whose milk makes for delicious cheese and a thriving local economy. They test every load of milk from every farmer; and as the components and quality of their milk improves, so does their cheese. They use only four simple ingredients to make their cheeses, and they are free of additives, preservatives, or stabilizers. All the cultures and enzymes used in cheese making, including vegetarian rennet and surface ripening cultures, are free of bio-engineered or genetically modified ingredients. They always use fresh, local milk and never use frozen curd. Learn more here.
Information & Photos © Firefly Farms – All Rights Reserved.
Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!
If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club! Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely! Click to learn more >
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