'Hause'-Aged Cheese

The Art of 'Hause'-Aging Cheese

Welcome to our 'Hause'-Aged collection, where tradition meets patience. The name 'Hause' is a tribute to our owner's last name of Grothause and our commitment to aging cheese with the time and care it deserves.

A Growing Family of Flavors

Every year, we're expanding our 'Hause'-Aged lineup, carefully selecting new varieties to age in the perfect underground conditions. From classic cheddars to adventurous goat goudas and bold blues, each addition to the family represents our ongoing commitment to bringing you more flavors and variety while maintaining the exceptional quality that defines our craft.

Aged Deep Underground in a Natural Gypsum Mine

Here's where it gets really cool: our cheese ages in Michigan Natural Storage, a gypsum mine deep below the ground. We're talking about one of nature's most remarkable environments, a naturally climate-controlled underground cave where the temperature stays consistently below 41°F all year long. No fancy equipment needed, just the earth doing what it does best.

This stable underground environment is what allows our cheese to develop the kind of complexity and character you just can't rush in conventional facilities.

Our Aging Process

While most commercial cheese gets aged for 60-90 days and called it good, we're in it for the long haul. We're talking years, sometimes over a decade. This extended aging gives natural enzymes time to work their magic, breaking down proteins and fats to create those deep, nuanced flavors and that satisfying crunch of tyrosine crystals you find in truly exceptional aged cheese.

Our Aging Timeline:

  • 2-3 Years: Our Heritage Parmesan develops those nutty, savory notes that make it perfect for grating over pasta or enjoying on its own
  • 5+ Years: Heritage Cheddar gains serious complexity and sharpness. This year we've got a special batch that's been aging for 8+ years. Expect even bigger, deeper flavors
  • 8 Years: Great-Grand Cheddar reaches a remarkable depth of flavor that's hard to describe until you taste it
  • 13 Years: Our Extra-Sharp Aged Cheddar achieves legendary status with intense, crystalline perfection

Perfect Natural Conditions

The underground gypsum mine gives us ideal aging conditions that would be nearly impossible to replicate artificially:

  • Consistent Temperature: Naturally stays below 41°F year-round. No artificial cooling needed
  • Stable Humidity: The underground environment keeps moisture levels right where we need them
  • Protection from Light: Deep underground storage means our cheese is completely shielded from light exposure
  • Minimal Temperature Fluctuation: The earth's natural insulation prevents those temperature swings that can mess with aging

We still do our part, carefully monitoring and turning each wheel regularly to make sure everything's aging just right throughout the years-long process.

What Happens During Aging

As our cheese sits deep underground, some pretty remarkable transformations happen:

  • Flavor Development: Those mild, milky flavors gradually evolve into sharp, complex, savory notes
  • Texture Changes: Smooth cheese develops that satisfying crystallization and crumbly texture
  • Aroma Intensifies: Subtle scents become bold and distinctive
  • Character Emerges: Each wheel develops its own unique personality over time

Meet Our Cheesemaker: Dan Posselt

Dan Posselt, our artisan cheesemaker, brings traditional craftsmanship to every single batch. From hand-milling to carefully monitoring the aging process, Dan's dedication to quality and authenticity is what ensures every piece of cheese we offer meets our high standards.

Dan's philosophy? Simple: great cheese can't be rushed. By honoring traditional methods and giving our cheese the time it needs to develop in that perfect underground environment, we create something that stands apart from mass-produced alternatives.

Why Our 'Hause'-Aging Process Matters

When we commit to extended aging in Michigan Natural Storage's underground gypsum mine, we're basically letting nature do the heavy lifting. This hands-on approach, combined with that unique underground environment, gives us consistent quality, authentic flavor development, and cheese that truly represents our craft.

When you choose our 'Hause'-aged cheese, you're not just buying a product. You're getting years of careful attention, traditional craftsmanship, and the unique character that comes from aging cheese deep in Michigan's underground caves.

Ready to taste the difference? Explore our collection of 'Hause'-aged cheeses and discover why patience really does make perfect cheese.