The Rattlesnake by Deer Creek Cheese: A Fiery Flavor Adventure Worth the Bite
JULY 12, 2025
Nestled in Wisconsin, Deer Creek Cheese stirs up the artisanal cheese scene with a product that truly bites back—the Rattlesnake. This bold creation defies typical pastoral cheese imagery, featuring a striking label that shows a Wisconsin Timber Rattler slithering through a skull, a visual promise of the cheese’s fiery character. Designed by founder Chris Gentine's daughter Sophie, the label isn't just art but a narrative of the intense sensory journey awaiting the palate.
The Rattlesnake’s base is a medium-aged cheddar laced with premium gold tequila (Cuervo Gold) and vibrant red-orange habanero peppers. Its texture is smooth, creamy, and semi-hard, offering a perfect canvas for the complex flavor progression: a sweet, tropical tequila aroma opens the experience, followed by the mellow creaminess of cheddar, and culminating in a delayed but unforgettable habanero heat that delivers the cheese's namesake bite.
Deer Creek embraces a 'cheese hotrodder' philosophy—taking classic Wisconsin cheeses and creatively infusing them with daring flavors. This experimental spirit is guided by founder Chris Gentine’s expertise as a licensed cheese grader rather than a maker, ensuring each new product is crafted with a precise palate-first approach.
The Rattlesnake’s meticulous development, in collaboration with Master Cheesemaker Kerry Henning, took about a year, with each ingredient chosen for balance and impact. The habaneros are reconstituted in tequila to mellow their sharpness before being infused late in the cheesemaking process, lending the cheese its signature build-up of heat rather than an immediate punch.
In Pagosa Springs, this cheese is a must-try for visitors and locals alike who appreciate a spicy culinary adventure. Available at Murray's Cheese inside City Market, The Rattlesnake pairs excellently with tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, or a crisp margarita to highlight its tequila notes. For the kitchen, it melts flawlessly in grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, or even atop grilled corn, enhancing dishes with its creamy texture and vibrant heat.
With awards including Gold at the 2024 L.A. International Dairy Competition and second place at the Wisconsin State Fair, The Rattlesnake enjoys both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base who celebrate its balance of boldness and flavor craftsmanship.
Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day on Pagosa’s trails or seeking a daring new cheese for your next gathering, The Rattlesnake offers an unforgettable, fiery flavor journey worth every bite.
The Rattlesnake’s base is a medium-aged cheddar laced with premium gold tequila (Cuervo Gold) and vibrant red-orange habanero peppers. Its texture is smooth, creamy, and semi-hard, offering a perfect canvas for the complex flavor progression: a sweet, tropical tequila aroma opens the experience, followed by the mellow creaminess of cheddar, and culminating in a delayed but unforgettable habanero heat that delivers the cheese's namesake bite.
Deer Creek embraces a 'cheese hotrodder' philosophy—taking classic Wisconsin cheeses and creatively infusing them with daring flavors. This experimental spirit is guided by founder Chris Gentine’s expertise as a licensed cheese grader rather than a maker, ensuring each new product is crafted with a precise palate-first approach.
The Rattlesnake’s meticulous development, in collaboration with Master Cheesemaker Kerry Henning, took about a year, with each ingredient chosen for balance and impact. The habaneros are reconstituted in tequila to mellow their sharpness before being infused late in the cheesemaking process, lending the cheese its signature build-up of heat rather than an immediate punch.
In Pagosa Springs, this cheese is a must-try for visitors and locals alike who appreciate a spicy culinary adventure. Available at Murray's Cheese inside City Market, The Rattlesnake pairs excellently with tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, or a crisp margarita to highlight its tequila notes. For the kitchen, it melts flawlessly in grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, or even atop grilled corn, enhancing dishes with its creamy texture and vibrant heat.
With awards including Gold at the 2024 L.A. International Dairy Competition and second place at the Wisconsin State Fair, The Rattlesnake enjoys both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base who celebrate its balance of boldness and flavor craftsmanship.
Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day on Pagosa’s trails or seeking a daring new cheese for your next gathering, The Rattlesnake offers an unforgettable, fiery flavor journey worth every bite.
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