Tillamook sent me a wheel of their [100th anniversary cheddar](http://store.tillamookcheese.com/100th-Anniversary-Wheel-limited-edition-P153.aspx), which I cannot stop referring to as “100-year-old cheese.” This is not entirely accurate: it’s aged for three years.
This is really good stuff. It the only Tillamook cheese I’ve tried that has a crumbly cheddar texture, with amino acid crystals like in Parmesan. The only reason I hesitate to recommend it is that Laurie pointed out that it is very similar to [Cougar Gold](http://www.wsu.edu/creamery/), another local cheese which costs less. That said, if you see the 100-year-old cheese, which has limited retail availability, and are in the mood for an impulse buy, grab one. You won’t be disappointed, and it comes in a cute wooden crate which can be reused to hold toys.
I saw this at the Ballard Market and tried it, yum! I think it was selling for $20 a wheel?
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the price. The retail is $24, so $20 on sale sounds right.
when those cheesy flavor crystals are in gruyere, they’re called “tears of joy.” i’m not sure if this applies to other cheeses. but there you are. :)
We think all cheesy flavor crystals should be referred to as “tears of joy.” We also don’t mind you referring to our cheese as “100-year-old cheese,” because in a way, it is. All of Tillamook’s history is in that cheese, so even if the cheese itself isn’t a century old, it’s got a century worth of yum in it. But we’re getting off on a tangent. Wanted to let you know that your mini-review is our Post of the Day at http://www.tillamookfanclub.com. Stop by and take a gander if you get a moment.
Best,
Jake Ten Pas
Tillamook Cheese Fan Club