As champions of Pennsylvania-made products, there’s a lot we want to celebrate about the new Troegenator Beer Cheese. First of all, it’s a collaborative effort (which we’re always a fan of) between Caputo Brothers Creamery, Tröegs Independent Brewing and Giant Food Markets. The result of their combined efforts is Gouda-esque cheese, bathed in Troegenator, Tröegs’ award-winning Double Bock. The beer wash adds a caramel profile to the cheese, along with notes of stone fruit and salt. Melted into a fondue with Caputo Brothers’ fermented cheese curds plus a hearty pour of beer, you’ve got a seriously delicious and PA-proud snack to enjoy any time of year.
But Caputo Brothers, Tröegs and Giant didn’t team up just for kicks: This cheese has actually helped keep the barn doors open at two Pennsylvania dairies that were on the verge of closing. Although dairy is undoubtedly one of Pennsylvania’s most important agriculture economies (dairy farming supports 52,000 jobs and contributes $14.7 billion to the state’s overall economy), many of the state’s dairy farms are in danger of closing for good. Challenging market conditions have created a serious threat to many dairy farmers – according to the United States Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania lost 370 dairy farms in 2018. Troegenator Beer Cheese, which is made with all local milk and in a relatively large production (it’s currently available exclusively at all 180 Giant Food Stores, Martin’s Food Markets and Giant Heirloom Market locations) was a huge boon to the farms where the dairy was sourced from. It’s a win for PA dairy farmers, and a win for PA cheese lovers, too!
Check out our video with Rynn Caputo of Caputo Brothers Creamery to learn to make Troegenator Beer Cheese Fondue, then head here for the full recipe!
- Video and photo: Dish Works
