Nestled in the rolling hills near Eureka, California, the story of Humboldt Fog begins. This iconic cheese is far from just another creamy goat cheese; it has a signature look and layered flavor that earned it the title of the Original American Original®. But what makes Humboldt Fog truly special?

What Is Humboldt Fog?

Humboldt Fog is a semi-soft goat cheese characterized by a distinctive line of edible vegetable ash running through its center, as well as a light layer on its exterior. This ash creates an appealing visual ‘fog’ effect—hence the name—and adds to its complex flavor and texture. Beyond appearance, Humboldt Fog offers a creamy, tangy profile with citrusy and earthy notes, making it a versatile and beloved cheese.

The Origin of the Original American Original®

Created in the late 1980s by artisanal cheesemaker Mary Keehn of Cypress Grove Chevre, Humboldt Fog marked a turning point for American artisan cheese. At a time when American cheeses were often overshadowed by their European counterparts, Humboldt Fog showcased that American terroir—the unique combination of climate, soil, and local environment—could produce world-class cheese.

This cheese is a celebration of place, much like the terroir-driven cheeses crafted here in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Just as Pagosa’s volcanic soil, alpine grasses, and mineral-rich waters shape the flavors of its artisan cheeses, Humboldt Fog embodies Northern California’s coastal microclimate and grass-grown goat milk.

Ingredients and Craft: What Makes Humboldt Fog Unique?

The cheese is made from fresh goat’s milk, sourced from goats grazing on green pastures near the Pacific Ocean. The milk itself carries subtle notes of the local flora, similar to how Colorado’s native grasses and wildflowers influence milk fat and flavor on local farms like James Ranch.

During cheesemaking, a layer of edible vegetable ash is applied to the cheese’s midline and exterior. Traditionally, ash was used to neutralize the surface acidity of the cheese and promote beneficial mold growth, resulting in a ripe, velvety rind that envelops the cheese. This ash line divides the cheese into two flavor zones: the younger, fresher curd on the outside and the creamy, more mature curd towards the center.

Tasting Humboldt Fog: A Flavor Journey

When you slice through Humboldt Fog, you’ll notice the familiar ash line faintly dusting the smooth white curd. The cheese starts off fresh and bright on the outside with mildly tangy, citrusy notes. As you move closer to the center, it becomes richer and creamier, unfolding layers of buttery texture with a subtle earthy complexity.

This transition in texture and taste makes Humboldt Fog a favorite on cheese boards, where it pairs beautifully with crisp white wines, fresh fruit, and nuts. Think of it as the dairy equivalent of a coastal walk—refreshing, uplifting, and full of surprises.

Pro Pairing Tip: Elevate Your Cheese Board

For a perfect Humboldt Fog experience here in Pagosa Springs, grab a wedge from Murray's Cheese at City Market and serve with:

• A drizzle of local honey, capturing the floral essence of Colorado’s wildflowers.
• Slices of crisp pear or apple for a refreshing crunch.
• Toasted walnuts or Marcona almonds for earthiness.
• A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or dry sparkling wine to contrast the creamy tang.

Humboldt Fog and Terroir: Why This Matters

Just as Pagosa Springs’ geothermal waters enrich the soil, influencing the pasture-grown animals and their milk, Humboldt Fog reflects the unique environment of Northern California’s coast. This cheese is more than a product; it’s an edible expression of local geology, climate, and culture.

How to Enjoy Humboldt Fog in Pagosa Springs

Besides picking it up at Murray's Cheese inside City Market, you can find Humboldt Fog in local restaurants that celebrate artisanal cheeses—try it in a salad, on a charcuterie board, or simply paired with fresh artisan bread.

A Cheese That Pioneered American Artisan Excellence

Humboldt Fog is not only delicious but historic. It helped redefine American cheese on the world stage, proving that local craft and natural terroir could yield products rivaling the best of Europe.

For cheese enthusiasts in Colorado and visitors to the San Juan Mountains, Humboldt Fog serves as a flavorful reminder that America has its own cheese heritage worth savoring. Whether you’re new to gourmet cheeses or a seasoned curd connoisseur, Humboldt Fog offers a journey through the artistry of cheesemaking and the magic of place.

Ingredients at a Glance

• Milk: Fresh goat’s milk
• Rennet: Traditional animal or microbial rennet
• Additions: Edible vegetable ash (activated carbon or wood ash)
• Allergens: Contains milk

Take care to store Humboldt Fog properly — keep it refrigerated, wrapped in wax paper inside a loose plastic bag or cheese container to allow it to breathe and maintain its signature rind.

In Summary

Humboldt Fog is the quintessential Original American Original®, a cheese that tells a story of place, passion, and pioneering American cheesemaking. Whether enjoyed on its own, as part of a festive cheese board, or paired with a crisp Colorado wine, it invites you to taste the history and landscape packed within each luscious bite.

For locals and visitors to Pagosa Springs craving an American classic, grab a wedge at Murray's Cheese in City Market and taste why this foggy cheese still shines bright as a regional and national treasure.

Sources & Further Reading

• Cypress Grove Chevre Official Website
• Murray’s Cheese - City Market, Pagosa Springs
• Cheese: A Connoisseur's Guide to the World’s Best
• American Cheese Society
• "The Art of Natural Cheesemaking" by David Asher

Relish the journey from fog to flavor and enjoy an authentic slice of American cheesemaking history right here, where the mountains meet the minerals, in Pagosa Springs.