Exciting Cheese Basket Giveaway at Goot Essa
We’re thrilled to announce a special cheese basket giveaway hosted by Goot Essa. Participating is simple — just leave a comment on this post for your chance to win. The lucky winner will be randomly selected and announced this Friday. Don’t miss out!
The giveaway features the delightful assortment called “Amish Tastes” (see details below):
Product Description
This curated set offers a medium-bodied selection of cheeses that cater to a variety of palates. From the buttery Old German Weissa to the smoky Mountain Home Woodsmoked Cheddar, and the savory Mountain Valley Sharp Cheddar, there’s something to satisfy every cheese lover.
Included Items
Cheeses (serving 3-4 people):
- 4 oz. Old German Weissa Cheese
- 4 oz. Mountain Home Woodsmoked Cheddar Cheese
- 4 oz. Mountain Valley Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Condiments:
- 1.5 oz. Autumn Dawn Apple Butter
- 1.5 oz. Reuben’s Stone Ground Mustard
- 1.5 oz. Sweet & Spicy Dipping Mustard
To participate, simply leave a comment below. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday. Make sure to check back! Additionally, you can subscribe via the form at the bottom of this post to receive email updates about future contests and news from Goot Essa.
Insights from John Esh: Cheese Caves & Family Business
I had an engaging conversation with John Esh, the owner of Goot Essa, from which I compiled a series of excerpts. John shared insights about the unique environment of cheese caves, the different types of cheeses they produce, and the importance of family in his business. This article includes both the transcript and some exclusive photos from my visit to their cheese caves.
John & Erik Discuss Cheese Making
John Esh: “In the 1990s, I kept hearing questions about how to keep our family farm sustainable. With a herd of just 70 cows, competing with large-scale operations of thousands of cattle seemed impossible. Our solution was to focus on quality — making cheese from our milk. We started selling to local restaurants and cheese shops, especially those seeking European-style cheeses with natural rinds. Today, we produce 19 different cheeses, including traditional cheddars, flavored varieties, and European styles.”
The Role of Cheese Caves
Erik Wesner: What exactly is a cheese cave, and why is it essential?
John: Our cheese caves are essentially three specially designed rooms built into the side of a hill near the mountains, encased in concrete to control humidity and temperature. Maintaining about 90% humidity and a cool temperature around 52°F is crucial for the natural aging process. The cheeses rest on wooden shelves, developing their natural rind during maturation. Proper humidity prevents cracks and unwanted mold, except for the blue cheeses, which are intentionally inoculated with mold and aged separately in a dedicated cave.
Erik: It sounds like a very precise environment. Who monitors these conditions?
John: That’s Jacob’s responsibility. He diligently oversees the humidity and temperature, ensuring optimal aging conditions.
The Source of Our Milk
Erik: Where do your cows, sheep, and goats come from? Do you use different types of milk?
John: Yes, we do. Our cow milk is sourced from our own herd, while the sheep milk comes from our daughter Sadie and her husband Sam. The goat milk is supplied by Henry and Ruta Wengerd, another Amish farm family. Supporting these farm families and keeping them on their land is a core part of our mission.
Family Involvement
Erik: It’s clear your family plays a significant role. Can you tell us more?
John: Absolutely. My daughter is involved in the business, as well as my son John, who handles quality control and shipping. Jacob is responsible for order fulfillment. My wife, Anna Mary, makes fudge and apple butter, while my niece Linda produces jellies. We’re blessed with a large, supportive family, which provides many advantages in running the business.
Favorite Cheeses and Customer Favorites
John: The most popular cheese among customers is our Mountain Valley Sharp Cheddar, aged for three and a half years, offering a rich, complex flavor. For gift baskets, the Old German Weissa Kase is a favorite — a creamy, tangy, and approachable cheese that makes a lovely gift. We take pride in our artisanal, handmade approach, which can lead to slight batch variations, but we strive for consistency that meets the high expectations of our customers.
Our Cheese Offerings and Tasting Experience
Over the past 15 years, we’ve expanded into gift baskets shipped nationwide, appealing to those who appreciate quality cheese paired with our condiments. We also host tasting events at our shop, where visitors can sample different cheeses and select their favorites. For online shoppers, detailed descriptions help guide their choices, ensuring they know what to expect from each cheese.
Browse Goot Essa cheese assortments here.
Additional Resources and Articles
- A Visit To An Amish Cheese Maker (29 Photos)
- Is Amish Life Hard? One Amishman’s Perspective
- Extended Conversation with John Esh (27 minutes)