For those who know, they know: Rocky Butte is a quintessential Stepladder Creamery cheese. This 100% farmstead goat Gouda is truly one-of-a-kind. But what makes it so special, why is it hard to find, and why does it have a name like Rocky Butte? Let’s dig into its origins and story.
The Birth of Rocky Butte
Back in the day, Rocky Butte was one of the first hard cheeses we made during the early days of milking goats and crafting goat milk cheeses. At a certain point in the milking season, we stop producing soft cheeses like Chèvre because the goat milk changes. The sweet and mild flavors of spring and summer transition as fall sets in, becoming more robust and pungent.
This shift is influenced by nature: the grasses in the California golden hills dry, acorns drop during a bountiful bloom, and the goats’ diet changes. These factors alter the milk’s flavor, and our production team adjusts accordingly, stopping soft cheese production to begin crafting hard goat milk cheeses like Rocky Butte.
By embracing these seasonal changes and “listening” to the milk, we create cheeses that reflect the essence of their time and place. Late summer batches are equally delightful, offering a unique opportunity to taste and compare flavors across different make dates. This seasonal approach ensures that Rocky Butte remains exclusive and exceptionally tasty.
Naming Rocky Butte
When we made the first wheels of this hard cheese, we knew it was something extraordinary. After six months of aging, the first taste was a culmination of our dream to create a farmstead goat dairy. We wanted a name as special as the cheese itself.
From the creamery’s large windows, you can see a stunning mountain range that includes Rocky Butte, the tallest peak on the Central Coast at 3,245 feet. The goats graze on the same terroir, sharing a connection with the land. Inspired by this view, Jack pointed to the peak and said, “Let’s name it Rocky Butte.” The name stuck, honoring the beauty and essence of our farm’s surroundings.
A Decade of Rocky Butte
We’ve been making Rocky Butte for 10 years, and it has become a staple of the Stepladder Creamery lineup. This year, we’ve managed to produce a decent stock, but it won’t last long—it tends to fly off the shelves!
Tasting Notes
Rocky Butte is a semi-firm, farmstead goat Gouda aged to perfection for six months. It boasts a grassy, earthy, nutty, and sweet profile with a balanced flavor. Its creamy texture pairs beautifully with figs and prosciutto, and it’s perfect alongside a glass of Chenin Blanc or Viognier. This mild yet flavorful cheese delights with every bite.
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Style: Gouda
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Milk Source: Goat Milk
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Age: 6 months
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Rennet: Vegetarian
Awards and More
Rocky Butte earned a Bronze medal in the Farmstead category at the 2023 American Cheese Society (ACS) awards. You can read more about this recognitionhere.
Additionally, we’ve released a two-year-aged version to our Cheese Club, and it’s been met with rave reviews. Learn about the process behind Rocky Butte Reserve here.
Don’t miss your chance to savor this exceptional cheese. Stock up while it’s available! Shop Rocky Butte.
