A mystical state of mind, born in the dairy state
Rich in character, our collection of handmade artisan cheeses are known for their whimsical labels, their unique stories, and above all, their award-winning flavor.
The inspiration for our cast of characters came from Founder Chris Gentine’s beloved little boy storybook, The Golden Story Book of River Bend, written by Richard Scarry’s wife Patricia Scarry. Like Kenny Pig, Miss Kitty, and the other residents of River Bend, we envision our cheeses—each with their own unique personalities and stories to share—as characters coming to life and living in harmony along the wooded banks of Deer Creek.
We call these cheeses our “animal series”. The collection began in 2009 with the introduction of The Fawn. The popularity of the cheese and the interest in the label encouraged us to unveil an aged version we named The Stag. Both cheeses went on to take some of the most prestigious awards around the world. What started as a whim, grew year after year into a collection of some of the most unique and highly awarded cheeses in Wisconsin.
Come and play along the banks of Deer Creek with us and meet its cast of characters.
Our cheeses
We are not cheesemakers, but rather “cheese hotrodders”. We start with an inspiration, something outside the box like blending the best flavor attributes from Cheddars around the world into one cheese, or creating a cheese based on our favorite Vanilla Bean ice cream. We take this inspiration and experiment with different flavors, cultures, and affinage techniques. Working with some of the very best cheesemakers in Wisconsin, we make vat after vat, tweaking and perfecting the recipe until we think the cheese is beyond compare.
Rich in character, our collection of handmade artisan cheeses are known for their whimsical labels, their unique stories, and above all, their award winning flavor. The inspiration for the cast of characters came from Founder Chris Gentine’s beloved little boy storybook, The Golden Story Book of River Bend, written by Richard Scarry’s wife Patricia Scarry.
The award winning Deer Creek Specialty Cheddar collection is a family of the finest hand selected Wisconsin aged Cheddars in the marketplace. In fact, Deer Creek specialty Cheddars are some of the most decorated classic aged Cheddars in recent history, having won 12 top awards in the past 6 years.
Theses are the cheeses from our Founder’s childhood. The ones he grew up with. The ones he loved. At Deer Creek we believe that we are only one generation away from the extinction of some of the traditional flavor, body, and texture characteristics that classic, Wisconsin-produced cheeses have always been known for.
Black Truffle Fondue featuring The Wild Boar
Fondue is a luxurious and surprisingly simple cold weather treat. Buttery Wild Boar melted into white wine and garlic makes an aromatic appetizer you won’t wait to indulge in. makes 4-6 servings What You’ll Need For the fondue: 2 cups, or approx. 8 oz, The Wild Boar, shredded 1 & 1/2 tablespoon flour 1 teaspoon […]
Blue Christmas Cheese Ball
You’ll have a blue Christmas without this herbaceous cheese ball. Rosemary and crystalized ginger brighten The Blue Jay’s juniper bouquet to create a delicious appetizer that is sure to spread holiday cheer!
Cabo Corn Dip featuring The Robin and The Rattlesnake
Turn up the heat with our spicy Cabo Corn Dip. The unique blend of sweet corn, fiery Habaneros, and buttery cheese makes this fun party dip wildly addictive!
For the Goodness of the Earth
At Deer Creek we understand that we are simply stewards of this beautiful land, and know that even by embracing the most sustainable practices our company cannot fully avoid impacting the environment. Because of that, it is our goal to continuously seek and discover the steps–both large and small–that we can take to mindfully operate our business in a manner which helps protect the planet and its people for generations to come.
- Supporting Small and Local like paying a premium for the high quality milk from small family dairy farms so the farmers can earn a decent wage in order to care for their families, farms, and livestock.
- Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions by contributing 100% of our monthly energy usage to Second Nature, a program that pools energy usage needs together in order to buy more earth-friendly, renewable energy produced from wind and solar power.
- Protecting Natural Resources through donating 1% of our gross sales to 1% for the Planet.
In 2002, two businessmen, both with a love for the outdoors, decided that they needed to do something to help protect our planet. These two men, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, decided that they should give 1% of their profits back to the environment, and in doing so created the global movement known as 1% for the Planet.
1% for the Planet is a global network of over 3,000 individuals, organizations, and companies striving to make a difference and protect the future of our planet. Since its inception, 1% for the Planet members have come together to contribute more than $250 million in support of approved environmental nonprofits.
We are in the cheese business. That’s what we do. By partnering with 1% for the Planet we are able to support some of the hardworking organizations who are focused day in and day out to care for and protect the earth and its people. Through our 1% for the Planet donations we have been able to support organizations working to protect clean air and water, feed those in need, mentor organic farmers, and inspire urban gardening.
But it doesn’t stop here. We want tomorrow to be an even better place for generations to come and will continue to look for ways to help do our part for the health of our planet and its people.
“To do good, you actually have to do something.”
Yvon Chouinard
Deer Creek Cheese 