Hook's Cheese Company

photo of Hook's cheddar

In 1970 Tony Hook began apprenticing at a small cheese favory in Barnevel and got his cheesemaker's license in 1972. Tony and Julie formed Hook's Cheese Company and began producing cheese in 976. At the beginning, they only made cheddar and Swiss. In 1980, they began making colby, Monterey Jack, some flavored Jacks and marble Jack.

In 1982, their entry of colby won "Best of Class" award in the World Cheese Championship. It was then judged against the winners of all the other classes and it was judged the "Finest cheese in the world" out of 482 entries. There were entries from 14 states and 16 countries. Julie Hook was, and still is, the only woman to win the World Championship.

By 1987, Hook's Cheese Company had outgrown its , Tony and Julie Hook opened Hook's Cheese Company in a small factory on Highway 39 toward Hollandale Wisconsin. In 1987, the Hooks moved to the rural-tourist southwestern town of Mineral Point where the company resides today.

The cheeses are made with milk from several small dairy farms around Mineral Point, Wisconsin. The cows are raised sustainably and without bgh.

Hook's Cheese Company has received several awards for its artisan cheeses: 1982 World Champion Colby Cheese, 1999-2002 Grand Champion Cheese for its blue cheese, and 2003 Grand Champion Cheese at the Iowa County Fair for its cheddar cheese.

Best known for its blues, colby and aged cheddar cheeses, the company is currently storing an impressive 600,000 pounds of aging cheese.

Try some 10-year-old cheddar: It has a deep, rich cheddar flavor with tiny sparks of crystal and a smooth, elegant finish. It's unbelievably good, and belongs in the place of honor (last!) on your cheese course plate. This cheese won first prize in its category (cheddar aged over 48 months) at the 2006 American Cheese Society judging.

Hook's Cheese can be found in stores all over the Midwest and at the Dane County Farmer's Market. You can also call the Hooks and order some to be shipped directly to you.

Hook's Blue
Buy directly from the factory in Mineral Point
Hook's Cheese Company, Inc.
320 Commerce St.
Mineral Point, WI 53565
Phone: (608) 987-3259
Store Hours:
Fridays: 4:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
OR at the Dane County Farmers' Market.