MINERAL POINT, Wis. — The surroundings are humble for one of the world's most talked-about batches of cheese.
Tony Hook shows off a rare 40-pound block of 20-year-old white cheddar he has been aging, along with 24 other blocks, in his 38-degree storage cooler in Mineral Point. At $209 per pound, this block is worth $8,360.
Tony Hook, seen here entering his cold-storage room on Wednesday, was 50 years old when he made his 20-year batch of cheddar. Now 70, the award-winning cheesemaker says he has no plans to retire.
The Hook's Cheese 20-year cheddar was initially formed into 40-pound blocks but will be broken down into smaller, more-affordable chunks for consumers and cheese shops. This is a half-pound brick but because of the $209-per-pound price tag, many will purchase the cheese in quarter-pound or eighth-pound pieces.
The cheese case at Hook’s Cheese in Mineral Point offers many varieties.
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Hook’s Cheese is located in a former livery stable constructed in 1875 at the corner of Jail Alley and Commerce Street in Mineral Point.
Cricket Stapelmann, right, and husband, Jim, nephew of Tony Hook, fill molds with freshly made Gorgonzola at Hook’s Cheese in Mineral Point.
The small retail space at Hook's Cheese is filled with awards and includes a large window that allows customers to watch the cheesemaking process.
Barry Adams covers regional news for the Wisconsin State Journal. Send him ideas for On Wisconsin by email at badams@madison.com or call 608-252-6148.
"I certainly wouldn't melt it on your mac and cheese."
Tony Hook
