Plymouth Artisan Cheeses are handcrafted Vermont cheddars made with traditional methods passed down through generations. They come from Plymouth, Vermont, where cheese has been made for more than 125 years. Cold Hollow Cider Mill carries six 8 oz. blocks, from the classic Plymouth Cheddar to bold specialty flavors, so you can pick a cheese for a snack, a sandwich, a cheese board, or a gift.

Plymouth cheddars are granular curd cheeses, a style with a slightly crumbly, creamy texture that is different from a smooth block cheddar. Plymouth makes them with raw cow's milk from a dedicated herd of Holstein and Jersey cows, and each block is traditionally hand waxed.

The six flavors

Plymouth Cheddar (8 oz.) The original recipe that every other Plymouth cheese is built on. It is a raw, heritage-style granular curd cheddar with a classic Vermont cheddar flavor. Slice it for sandwiches, melt it into grilled cheese, or serve it with apples and crackers.

Hunter Sharp (8 oz.) A sharp Plymouth cheddar for people who like a bolder bite. Good with crackers, fruit, cured meats, and a cold Vermont cider.

Sage & Herb (8 oz.) Plymouth's herb cheddar, flavored with a blend of herbes de Provence that includes sage, thyme, rosemary, lavender, and oregano. It is aromatic and savory, and it is a favorite around the holidays. It works well on sandwiches and with fruit, and it makes a good roast turkey sandwich.

Garlic Peppercorn (8 oz.) A marbled cheddar with onion, garlic, red pepper, and green peppercorns. It has a savory, zesty flavor that tastes like a full dinner in one bite. Try it with cured meats, on burgers, or melted over steak.

Truffle Cheddar (8 oz.) The Plymouth recipe with real Italian truffle pieces and touches of white truffle oil. It is earthy and rich, and it is best served at room temperature on a cheese board. Avoid cooking it over high heat, since heat can weaken the truffle aroma.

Fred's Favorite (8 oz.) A Plymouth cheddar aged longer for a deeper, more developed flavor, and a good pick for cheddar fans. Serve it on its own, with crisp apples, or alongside Vermont maple.

How to serve Plymouth cheeses

• Build a Vermont cheese board with two or three flavors, apples, crackers, jam or jelly, and mustard
• Pair the Sage & Herb or Garlic Peppercorn with cured meats
• Slice the Plymouth Cheddar or Hunter Sharp onto sandwiches and burgers
• Shave the Truffle Cheddar over crackers, and serve it at room temperature
• Add a block to a gift basket or care package

Why it makes a good gift

Plymouth cheeses come in a compact 8 oz. block that packs and ships easily. The range of flavors lets you choose a classic for traditional cheddar fans or a bolder cheese for adventurous eaters, and the blocks fit neatly into a Vermont gift pack.