Cabot Creamery A Comprehensive Guide To Free Vermont Cheese Samples And Factory Experiences

Introduction

Cabot Creamery, renowned for producing "World's Best Cheddar," offers numerous opportunities for visitors to sample their extensive cheese collection throughout Vermont. This comprehensive guide details the various locations where free cheese samples are available, factory tour options, and what visitors can expect when experiencing Cabot's cheese offerings firsthand. The information is based on verified sources including official websites and visitor reports, ensuring accuracy for those planning to explore Vermont's cheese sampling scene.

Cabot Creamery Overview

Cabot Creamery is a cooperative owned by 1,100 New England and New York farm families that produces a wide variety of dairy products, with particular acclaim for their Vermont sharp cheddar and Greek yogurt. The company sources one million pounds of milk daily from these farms and has earned numerous international awards for their products. Cabot operates multiple locations in Vermont where visitors can sample their extensive cheese collection and learn about the cheesemaking process.

Free Cheese Sample Locations in Vermont

Cabot Creamery Store at the Yellow Barn

The Cabot Creamery Store at the Yellow Barn represents one of the premier locations for sampling Cabot's diverse cheese offerings. While the exact address isn't specified in the source material, this location features an extensive sample bar with approximately 25 different varieties of cheese. The samples are divided into two categories: standard flavors commonly found in retail stores and specialty flavors that aren't widely available elsewhere. Among the unique flavors offered are Tomato Basil, Hand-rolled Tuscan, and Horseradish cheddar.

In addition to cheese samples, visitors can find popcorn sprinkled with Cabot cheese, various cheese dips, and butter dips available for sampling. The store also maintains a gift shop selling Cabot products and local beer. Visitors are encouraged to take their time at the sample bar, using the provided toothpicks to taste multiple varieties without feeling rushed.

Cabot Annex in Waterbury Center

Located approximately one hour from Burlington and just a mile down the road from the Ben & Jerry's factory, the Cabot Annex in Waterbury Center offers another opportunity for free cheese sampling. This outlet features plenty of samples and carries cheese varieties not typically found in regular retail stores like Price Chopper.

In addition to cheese samples, the annex offers a wine tasting experience where visitors can try three wines for a small fee of one dollar. The annex also sells other locally-made foods, including products from Lake Champlain Chocolate. This location provides a convenient stop for those already visiting the Ben & Jerry's factory or exploring the Waterbury-Stowe area.

Richardson Farm in Woodstock

Richardson Farm represents a more immersive Cabot experience, offering both cheese sampling and the opportunity to tour an actual working farm. This recognized Century Farm has been in the same family for five generations and operates as a participating Cabot location. The farm features a shop where visitors can sample 20+ varieties of Cabot cheese alongside a full range of available products for purchase.

Located in the Quechee Gorge Village, the Richardson Farm shop is adjacent to the Vermont Antique Mall and within walking distance of the Quechee Gorge itself. Visitors can watch as cheese blocks are hand-cut, foil-wrapped, and dipped in wax three times for optimal flavor preservation. Specific cheese varieties mentioned in the sources include Smoked Cheese with Onion, Mtn Bleu Cheese, Aged Sharp Cheddar Cheese with Horseradish, and Jalapeño and Cayenne Pepper Cheddar Cheese, among others.

Cabot Visitor Center in Cabot

The Cabot Visitor Center in Cabot (located at 2878 Main Street) offers another sampling opportunity, though with some limitations. As of January 2018, this location no longer offers factory tours but remains open for cheese sampling and purchases. Visitors can observe the cheesemaking process through picture windows, viewing enormous vats of curds being stirred and the "robo cow" packaging cultured products for market.

The introductory video at the visitor center features the farmers who supply the plant with milk, highlighting the cooperative nature of Cabot Creamery. While production doesn't occur on weekends, visitors can still sample practically every cheese Cabot produces during their visit.

What to Expect at Sample Locations

Variety of Cheese Samples

Each Cabot location offers a diverse selection of cheese samples, typically numbering between 20-25 varieties. The samples represent Cabot's full range of products, from their award-winning sharp cheddars to more experimental flavors. Visitors can expect to find both standard retail varieties and limited-edition or specialty cheeses not commonly found in supermarkets.

The generous sample portions allow visitors to genuinely taste and compare different cheeses without feeling rushed. At most locations, samples are presented on a central bar with toothpicks provided for multiple tastings. Visitors are encouraged to take their time exploring the different flavors and combinations.

Specialty Products and Limited Editions

Beyond cheese samples, Cabot locations often feature additional specialty products for sampling. These may include: - Popcorn with Cabot cheese sprinkle - Various cheese dips and butter dips - Locally-made foods and beverages (such as beer at some locations)

Some locations also offer samples of other Vermont-made products, creating a comprehensive tasting experience of the region's culinary specialties. These additional samples provide context for how Cabot products can be used in various recipes and pairings.

Cheese Production Demonstrations

At certain locations, particularly Richardson Farm, visitors can observe the cheese production process firsthand. These demonstrations typically include: - Hand-cutting of cheese blocks - Foil-wrapping of individual portions - The triple-dipping process in wax for flavor preservation

These visual demonstrations help visitors understand the care and craftsmanship that goes into Cabot cheese production, enhancing the sampling experience with educational value.

Factory Tour Information

Richardson Farm Tours

Richardson Farm offers guided tours of their facilities, providing visitors with an behind-the-scenes look at cheesemaking operations. The tours follow a structured schedule: - May 1 through October 31: 10 AM – 5 PM daily - November through February: Weekends only, 10 AM – 4 PM - Select holiday weeks may also have tours available

Admission to the Richardson Farm tours requires an advance reservation, which can be made by calling 802-457-2355. The farm notes that tours are available for groups of ten or more with advance booking, though individual visitors can typically join scheduled tours by arriving early.

The tour experience includes observing the cheesemaking process and learning about the history of this Century Farm. Visitors can also sample a wide variety of Cabot products during their visit.

Cabot Visitor Center Experience

While the Cabot Visitor Center in Cabot no longer offers factory tours as of January 2018, visitors can still experience elements of the cheesemaking process through: - Picture windows viewing production areas - An introductory video featuring the cooperative farmers - Cheese sampling of practically every variety Cabot produces - Purchasing opportunities for full-size products

The visitor center remains open during regular business hours, though specific hours aren't detailed in the source material. Production doesn't occur on weekends, so visitors planning to observe active manufacturing should plan their visit for a weekday.

Planning Your Visit

Operating Hours

Operating hours vary by location: - Richardson Farm Shop: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Richardson Farm Tours: May 1-Oct 31, 10 AM – 5 PM; weekends Nov-Feb, 10 AM – 4 PM - Cabot Annex in Waterbury Center: Hours not specified in source material - Cabot Visitor Center in Cabot: Hours not specified in source material

Visitors are advised to call ahead to confirm current hours, especially during off-season periods or holidays.

Contact Information

For planning your visit, the following contact information may be useful: - Richardson Farm Shop: 802-295-1180 - Richardson Farm: 802-457-1225 - Cabot Visitor Center: 802-457-2355 (for tour information)

Tips for the Best Experience

To maximize your Cabot sampling experience: - Visit during weekday hours if you wish to observe production processes - Allow ample time at each location to fully explore the sample offerings - Bring a cooler if purchasing products to take home, especially during warmer months - Consider visiting multiple locations to experience the full range of Cabot products - Ask staff about limited-edition or seasonal varieties that may not be widely advertised

Nearby Attractions for Sample Enthusiasts

While focusing on Cabot's offerings, visitors to Vermont may also enjoy sampling other local products at nearby establishments:

Lake Champlain Chocolate

Located near some Cabot annex locations, this chocolate shop offers free chocolate samples. Visitors can sample chocolate pieces while learning about proper chocolate tasting techniques through the shop's recommendations.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Situated at 3600 Waterbury-Stowe Road in Waterbury Center, this cider mill provides another opportunity for free product sampling. While specific details about the sampling offerings aren't included in the source material, it represents another Vermont food experience worth exploring.

Fiddlehead Brewing Company

For those interested in beverage sampling, Fiddlehead Brewing Company offers free beer samples. Visitors can receive two 3-ounce samples of their signature Heady Topper double IPA at the tasting room, which also features brewing equipment for viewing.

Conclusion

Cabot Creamery provides numerous opportunities throughout Vermont for visitors to sample their extensive cheese collection at no cost. From the comprehensive sample bar at the Yellow Barn to the working farm experience at Richardson Farm, each location offers a unique sampling experience. While factory tours are limited at some locations, the availability of free cheese samples remains consistent across all Cabot retail establishments in Vermont. For those planning to visit, understanding the different locations, their offerings, and operating hours will help maximize the sampling experience. The cooperative's commitment to quality and transparency is evident in both their products and the visitor experiences they provide, making Cabot Creamery a must-visit destination for cheese enthusiasts traveling through Vermont.

Sources

1. Alyssa in Nature - Mooching Off Vermont's Free Samples
2. Woodstock VT - A Cheese Trail That's Looking Sharp
3. All Over Albany - Factory Touring in Vermont
4. New England - Food Factory Tours
5. Cabot Creamery - Visit Us