You’ve Never Seen Anything Like This Unique Cheese Cave In Maine

We've got lobster, we've got seafood and we've got TONS of blueberry pie. But, did you know we've also got cheese? From canning to homebrew to homemade whoopie pies, there are a fair few Mainers who have taken the local food scene into their own hands to produce something they're passionate about. This is a great example of that Maine spirit...and, it produces some pretty great cheese!

Kurt Rauscher is the heart of a wonderful cheese business in Bristol, Maine.

The Creamery at Bristolhof, which means "Bristol Farm" in German, was launched in his own home.

The Creamery uses their own starter cultures as well as eco-certified animal rennet and sea salt.

One of the most important ingredients for this handmade dairy delicacy is the organic milk from local Jersey cows that's used in every batch.

Wheels of cheese are pressed three times a week, complete with his own mark.

While the finished product is remarkable, it's the process that's truly unique.

When Kurt turned cheese making into a full time operation, he decided to keep things authentic by building an actual cheese cave in which to age his product.

With the help of friends, the cave was built in about seven months in the old Roman Arch style.

The blocks of concrete used to construct the ceiling weigh about 1,400 pounds. Each!

And, the European details stay true to his German roots.

The Creamery's cheese wheels weigh about six pounds.

And they spend from three to 10 months aging inside.

The cave temperature sits at a consistent 50 degrees with about 90 percent humidity.

In February 2017, The Creamery at Bristolhof began producing cheeses year-round.

Today, you can purchase cheeses from the Creamery at Bristolhof directly.

Or, look for them in local shops throughout Maine.

To learn more about The Creamery at Bristolhof, including interviews and more cheese-making information, check out Katie Bavoso's video here:

The Creamery at Bristolfhof is located at 45 Hanley Farm Rd., Bristol, Maine. You can call them on 207-380-1836. Cheese can be purchased at the Belfast Market, which also has a bit more information about The Creamery on their website.

Hopefully cheese will soon become synonymous with Maine! In the meantime, here are the 11 foods that all Mainers miss when they leave the state. Check them out to see which ones you'll need to bring with you if you ever decided to move.