BARRY ADAMS
MINERAL POINT, Wis. — The surroundings are humble for one of the world's most talked-about batches of cheese.
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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.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
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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.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
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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.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
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The cheese case at Hook’s Cheese in Mineral Point offers many varieties.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
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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.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
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Cricket Stapelmann, right, and husband, Jim, nephew of Tony Hook, fill molds with freshly made Gorgonzola at Hook’s Cheese in Mineral Point.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
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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.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
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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
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