The Best Cheese Clubs

Saturday, September 14th

2024 Cheese Club Reviews

The Gourmet Cheese of the Month Club

• 2 cheese clubs to choose from
• 3 different cheese varieties in each box
• Roughly 1.5 pounds of cheese in each delivery
• Priced at $43.95 or $59.95 per month, depending on selected club
• $16 shipping and handling fee on each delivery
• Extremely flexible subscription options ranging from 2-12 months
• Pay upfront or as you go
• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Hundreds of 5-star reviews on each club

The Gourmet Cheese of the Month Club, one of Monthly Clubs' six offerings, has been family-owned and operated since its establishment in 1994. They continue to uphold their same original core principles to this day.

Individually wrapped cheeses

Committed to providing quality and variety, each cheese delivery consists of hand-cut selections individually wrapped in deli paper, allowing for optimal freshness. With a focus on building lasting relationships through responsive customer service, The Gourmet Cheese of the Month Club takes pride in introducing members to new cheeses while fostering a sense of community through shared tasting experiences. Partnering with Zingermans has enriched their offerings, and customer testimonials reflect the joy and camaraderie sparked by monthly cheese tastings, making everyone involved smile.

2 clubs to choose from

So, what else makes this our favorite place to go for cheese clubs? First off, there are not one but two options you can choose from, all with cheeses that are freshly cut-to-order the same day that they ship. Both clubs include cheese profiles, histories of the makers behind the flavors, as well as serving and pairing suggestions. Without further ado, here are the two options you might have a hard time deciding between at The Gourmet Cheese of the Month Club:

• The Original: with over 500 reviews averaging a perfect 5 stars, this is the flagship cheese club here. Each delivery has three unique cheeses (totaling about a pound and a half), and you can always see up to 15 of the club's most recent selections. Port Salut, Montasio, Artikaas Vintage Lot 36, and Barber's West Country Farmhouse Cheddar are just a handful of some of the varieties you could see in your Original cheese club subscription. This club is priced at $43.95 per month (with $16 in shipping and handling fees, so a total of $59.95 per delivery).
• Rare Cheese Club: if you want to sail past all of those cheeses you may have tried before and leap headlong into limited-production varieties often made with hard-to-come-by ingredients, the Rare Cheese Club will get your attention. You'll still get a pound and a half of cheese in these deliveries, with flavors like Ubriaco Pinot Rosé from Italy, Garrotxa by Sant Gil d'Albio from Spain, and Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar from Cows Creamery in Canada. You'll pay more for the exclusive nature of this cheese club ($59.95/month + $16 in shipping and handling), but over 160 cheese aficionados have given this club a perfect five-star rating.

The most flexible subscriptions around

Once you choose which cheese club you can't live without, scroll down the page to see how amazingly flexible The Gourmet Cheese Club of the Month truly is. Unlike most cheese clubs that only let you choose 3-, 6-, or 12-month plans, this company gives you the freedom to choose any number of deliveries between 2 and 12. You can also opt for month-to-month, "cancel anytime” subscriptions if you prefer to let the cheese keep rollin' indefinitely. You can also specify which month you'd like the deliveries to begin (from the current month, out to 3 months in advance), if you'd like them to go monthly/every other month/quarterly, and if you'd like to pay upfront or as each cheese club box is sent out. Believe us when we say there's no other cheese club that puts as much control in your hands.

Excellent gift-giving features

All of that makes for some pretty great gift-giving here. Once you indicate that the club you're buying is a gift, the checkout will give you options for customizing a gift announcement to be sent immediately or at a future date of your choice. If you're forgetful when it comes to holidays and special occasions (like that anniversary coming up...), The Gourmet Cheese of the Month Club could be your perfect helper.

Universal praise for both cheese clubs

As we've already mentioned, customer sentiment towards The Gourmet Cheese of the Month Club is enthusiastic, and that's putting it mildly. Subscribers are universally excited to get their box every month, gift recipients are thrilled with the interesting selections and pristine presentation, and some people actually describe themselves as "proud” to be a member of these two cheese clubs. It's no wonder that some customers return year after year to give a subscription as a gift (or to get it for themselves after hearing their friends and loved ones rave about the experience).

Satisfaction guaranteed, no questions asked

And yes, as you'd expect, The Gourmet Cheese of the Month Club has a 100% satisfaction guarantee that they are delighted to honor. If anything doesn't meet your high standards, they'll replace it or give you a refund, no hassle or stress required.

Top pick among cheese clubs

The Gourmet Cheese of the Month Club's two subscriptions are the best of the best - it's so edam good that you'll want to brie best friends forever (we couldn't help finishing with a pun or two. Are you feta up yet?) All jokes aside, there's everything to love about the Original and Rare Cheese memberships here, priced competitively and with a long list of 5-star raves from extremely satisfied customers (and their friends, loved ones, clients, and other fortunate gift recipients). Hands down, The Gourmet Cheese of the Month Club is our most recommended option for cheese clubs, getting a flawless five stars here and our highest ranking.

Amazing Clubs

• $56.95 to $58.95 for 3 cheese varieties per month
• Free shipping on all boxes
• Choose shipping frequency of every month or every other month
• Clubs can include 3, 4, 6, or 12 deliveries
• Fun newsletter in every box
• Makes gift-giving easy
• 100% "They'll Love It!” Guarantee
• World-class customer service
• "A+” rated by the BBB

With over two decades of expertise, Amazing Clubs is your must-visit source of an unparalleled selection of gift clubs, from wine and chocolate to jam and coffee. We've personally explored and adored most of the 44 clubs on offer, and we're excited to introduce you to one of our absolute favorites - the cheese club.

3 premium cheeses per delivery

Let's dive right in. Each month, you'll receive a delightful delivery featuring three premium cheeses sourced from specialty artisans nationwide. Here's a feature we love: you can actually check out previous selections on their website. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with unique flavors like Black Knight Tilsit, Allgau Emmental, Austrian Amadeus Chorherrenkase, and 1,000 Day Marieke Reserve Gouda: cheeses you won't likely find at your local grocery store.

Under $60 per month, paid upfront or as-you-go

And with prices starting as low as $56.95 per month (including shipping), this cheese club won't break the bank. Pay upfront for added convenience or opt for monthly payments - it's up to you. What you pay will depend on the length of the club you select, ranging from three months to a full year.

You'll always know what you're getting in advance

Once you're signed up for the Cheese Club, you'll receive an email weeks before each delivery, giving you a sneak peek at the upcoming flavors. If there's something that doesn't quite tickle your fancy, no worries. You can easily skip that month's delivery with no questions asked. And the same goes for your gift recipients - let them take control of their subscription experience.

Makes gift-giving hassle-free

Now, let's talk about convenience. This Cheese Club is the ultimate gift option, complete with a fun newsletter featuring recipes and artisans' stories. Plus, you can start deliveries any time over the next 11 months, making gift-giving a breeze. Amazing Clubs can even send out an announcement on the date of your choice or provide a printable option for in-person gifting.

You choose exactly which months to receive deliveries

And, just recently Amazing Clubs added the ability to choose specific months for the entire length of your subscription. So, let's say you choose a 4-month seasonal plan, and you want most of your cheese deliveries to come during the winter months, with a one-off treat for your 4th of July charcuterie board. You absolutely can have boxes scheduled for November-January and then that last one in June or July. Just keep in mind that all of Amazing Clubs' boxes ship over the last week of the month, so plan ahead for any special occasions where cheese is on the menu.

Legendary reputation for customer service

How about reputation? With an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and millions of satisfied customers, Amazing Clubs is renowned for its exceptional service and quality products. And speaking of service, the company's "They'll Love It!" Guarantee ensures your complete satisfaction. Whether you get a cheese that just doesn't taste quite right, or one of your selections is moldy when it shouldn't be (!), their legendary customer service team is there to make it right - no questions asked.

Cheese club has lots of 5-star reviews

And, unlike some of the cheese subscriptions on our list, this one has hundreds of reviews. Those average an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars, and the only complaint we found was from a customer who said that the cheeses were "too fancy" for her liking (the customer rep helpfully responded and asked if she would like to switch to any of the 3+ dozen other clubs on offer here).

You'll love this cheese club

In conclusion, Amazing Clubs' Cheese Club is absolutely first-rate. From their carefully curated selections to the company's unparalleled customer service, you (or some lucky cheese-lover) is guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience month after month. With our enthusiastic recommendation, Amazing Clubs is ready to take you on a cheese-tasting journey you won't soon forget.

Di Bruno Bros

• 2 cheese clubs to choose from
• Prices range from $60 to $85 per month
• Clubs last 4, 8, or 13 months
• Free shipping on all subscriptions
• Pay upfront for entire subscription term
• Company earned over 1,000 5-star reviews
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• "A+” rated by the BBB
• In business for over 80 years

Starting in 1939 within the vibrant South Philadelphia Italian Market, Di Bruno Bros has evolved into a local legend, with five retail locations, an extensive e-commerce market, and a workforce of over 350 individuals. With a strong emphasis on community and a passion for introducing customers to new gastronomic experiences, Di Bruno Bros has garnered recognition from esteemed publications such as The New York Times, Travel and Leisure, and Food & Wine.

Cheese + accompaniments in two clubs

You've got not one but two cheese clubs to consider at Di Bruno Bros:

• Eat Like a Cheesemonger: led by Di Bruno Bros' resident expert, Emilio Mignucci, this club comes with 1-2 pounds of carefully-selected cheeses and 2-4 pairings or recipe components, typically around a special occasion or seasonal theme. For example, in a spring selection, you might see fresh cheese, fruit compotes, and accentuating oils, while another month could be spaghetti-themed with pecorino, crunchy capers, anchovy extract, and squid ink noodles. You'll pay $339.99 for a 4-month subscription, $679.98 for an 8-month subscription, or $1019.91 for a 13-month subscription. Shipping is included in the price.
• Cheese Pairing 101: this is a more introductory club, with a half-pound of cheese and two pairing components in each delivery. Your box could come with nuts, jellies, jams, crackers and more. Previous selections have included combos like Asiago Stravecchio with speck and truffled honey, triple-creme Delice with cinnamon-cocoa pecans and amarena cherries, and so on. This club is priced at $259.96 for 4 months, $519.92 for 8 months, and $779.88 for 13 months; shipping is also included in those prices.

Very well-suited to be given as a gift

Either club is a solid choice for gift-giving, though you'll have to download the card and email it to the recipient yourself. The first delivery will go out in the month after you place your order, and all shipments are scheduled for the second full week of the month. Both subscriptions include educational and fun extra materials, from the backstories of the makers behind the cheeses and accompaniments to recommendations for how to best enjoy them.

Satisfaction guaranteed

And, Di Bruno Bros guarantees your satisfaction. If you (or your recipient) have any issues whatsoever, reach out within 48 hours of receiving your cheese club delivery (either via phone or email, even if it's over the weekend and outside of business hours). They'll work with you to make it right, whether that's a replacement order, a refund, or other arrangements. That makes it a little easier to swallow the "pay in full” nature of these two cheese clubs (since you could be spending over $1,000 for the 13-month subscription of the Eat Like a Cheesemonger plan).

Customers really love this cheese shop

From the business as a whole to the cheeses themselves, Di Bruno Bros has a terrific reputation. The Better Business Bureau lists this cheese specialist as an "A+” company, with only two complaints filed in the last three years (both of which were responded to appropriately and promptly by the customer service team). Beyond the BBB, over 90% of reviews for Di Bruno Bros are 4 and 5 stars. Shoppers say that their cheese arrives on time and is perfectly packaged, and many of them say that Di Bruno Bros has been their go-to for gift-giving for many years.

Excellent choice if you like cheese plus extras

It was an easy choice to move Di Bruno Bros up by a full star since our last review. We love the two different cheese club styles, and the company has so much positive feedback for the clubs and everything else on offer. These subscriptions are a bit more expensive than some, but all signs indicate it's worth the money for what you get. If you prefer a cheese club that comes with accompaniments, either of the memberships at Di Bruno Bros is a fantastic choice.

iGourmet

• 2 cheese clubs to choose from
• Each box comes with 3-4 varieties of cheese (approx. 1 lb) + 2 gourmet pairings
• Prices range from $69 to $83 per month
• Shipping is included in each cheese club's price
• Pay month-to-month and cancel anytime, or prepay for a subscription of 3, 6, or 12 months
• Tasting Guide comes with each box
• 100% satisfaction guarantee within 7 days of delivery
• "A+” rated by the BBB
• Hundreds of 5-star reviews for the company

With roots tracing back to the days of importing European cheeses on passenger steamships, igourmet was launched in 1997 to share specialty food finds with gourmands worldwide. The site offers a vast array of high-quality specialty foods sourced from the best producers globally, including over 900 cheeses.

Small artisan cheese producers

As champions of small- to mid-sized artisan food producers, igourmet helps food lovers discover old favorites, rare specialties, and new surprises. Committed to delivering the finest gourmet foods, igourmet aims to elevate your cooking and enhance the delicious moments in your life, offering unparalleled expertise and the largest assortment of specialty foods available anywhere.

3-4 types of cheese + 2 accompaniments

• A sample box in the International Club included Honey Chevre, Santa Teresa Pecorino, Honeybee Goat's Milk Gouda, and Limoncello Cheese, with a mini honey bear and olive oil/sea salt crackers
• A comparable Connoisseur's Club shipment was themed as "Salad Favorites” and contained Australian Marinated Feta, Roaring Forties Blue Cheese, Cypriot Halloumi, and Brown Cow Parmigiano Reggiano with Italian flatbread crackers (maybe it was two different types of crackers; otherwise we'd wonder where the second accompaniment went...).

igourmet delivers not one but two cheese clubs: International and Connoisseur's. The structure of each subscription is basically the same, with 3-4 varieties of cheese (roughly a pound in total) and two gourmet pairings like crackers or charcuterie. The main difference is, as you'd anticipate, the types of cheese: generally sourced from around the world vs. rare and unique varieties.

A bit on the expensive side

We appreciate that igourmet lets you decide if you want to pay month-to-month for your cheese club or save a little by paying for your entire subscription in advance (for 3, 6, or 12 months). Depending on which of the two memberships you choose and the payment/subscription you opt for, expect to pay anywhere from $69 to $83 per month. If we're being honest, that's a bit spendy if you consider that you're only getting about a pound of cheese (while most rival clubs send out a pound and a half for the same per-box cost or even for less money).

Good gift-giving features

But, if you're giving the Connoisseur's Club or International Club as a gift, you'll appreciate not just the payment flexibility but also the features that make this a fun cheese club to receive. Every box comes with a Tasting Guide with details about the artisans behind the cheeses and detailed pairing notes, adding a nice touch of education and fun to the experience. You'll also get a Welcome Letter via email when your subscription is confirmed, which you can print out or forward to share with the recipient of your gift.

Customer support with your happiness in mind

The customer service experience at igourmet is on point. If you need to skip a delivery or change the shipping address, they guarantee they can make the adjustment as long as you reach out by the 5th of the month. They'll still do their best to accommodate your request if you reach out beyond that date, though. And, if there's any reason you're not 100% happy with any aspect of your cheese club membership, igourmet will give you a refund or replacement as long as you contact them within 7 days. That's really generous: many competitors only give you 24-48 hours to ask for a reshipment or refund.

Lots of 4- and 5-star reviews

And, igourmet lives up to those expectations, starting with an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau. Beyond the BBB, hundreds of reviews from verified customers offer 4- and 5-star ratings for this company as a whole. Some shoppers praise specific cheeses (like all of the bleu cheese selections, the French Butter Beurre D'Isigny AOP, and the goat cheeses), while others rave about the attention to detail in packaging and customer service overall. While we did notice an uptick in complaints around the winter holidays, it's pretty par for the course for companies to experience challenges with getting shipments delivered on time at that time of the year (especially with perishable goods like cheese that can't just be left on a doorstep long-term).

We recommend these two cheese clubs

igourmet gets a high rating from us. Both cheese clubs deliver a tantalizing variety of cheeses and accompaniments (even if the total weight is a bit skimpy compared to rival providers), and your satisfaction is guaranteed. We love the payment flexibility and the commitment to customer happiness, so it almost goes without saying that igourmet's International and Connoisseur's Cheese Clubs earn our recommendation.

Fromagination

• $247.50 for a year-long subscription of quarterly cheese deliveries
• 1.5 pounds of cheese in every shipment
• Each delivery comes with artisan cheeses (primarily from Wisconsin) and a companion item like crackers, dried fruit, or preserves
• 15-day satisfaction guarantee
• "A+” rated by the BBB

Founded in 2007 by owner and general manager Ken Monteleone, Fromagination celebrates Wisconsin's rich cheese-making heritage and its burgeoning artisan food movement. With a belief in showcasing the best of the Badger State's cheese, Fromagination invites guests to immerse themselves fully in the culinary experience. A cheese club delivery from Fromagination is a journey of discovery, aimed at fostering not only a delightful taste experience but also an appreciation for the wholesome, delicious offerings of the Midwest and the dedicated artisans behind them.

Only quarterly deliveries now, but still competitively priced

Fromagination isn't quite as robust as the last time we evaluated its cheese club. Where you used to be able to get cheese delivered on a monthly basis, the club now consists of a one-time payment of $247.50 for a year's worth of quarterly deliveries, known as the Cheese of the Season subscription. It's still a decent price: you get 3-5 varieties of cheese each month, along with a companion item like preserves, dried fruit, or crackers, for about $60 per delivery (since shipping is included in the subscription price).

4 seasonally-themed boxes per year

What kinds of cheeses can you anticipate sampling with the Cheese of the Season club? While the exact artisans and flavors will vary, here's an overview of what each season typically holds:

• Spring (April-May-June): fresh and aged goat cheeses as the dairy animals go back out to pasture
• Summer (July-August-September): hard and soft cheeses, from a mixture of sheep, cow, and goat milks (often double cream cheeses, mozzarella, and feta)
• Autumn (October-November-December): small-batch Cheddar and Gouda, Blue, or "stinky” cheeses are often in the fall selection
• Winter (January-February-March): winter's cheeses are usually alpine-inspired, like Appenzeller, Comte, Stilton, and Italian truffle

Reach out if you need to skip or reschedule a delivery

When you start your Cheese of the Season subscription, it'll go out the second Monday of the following calendar month (so if you place your order in March, the first box will ship in the first or second week of April). If you reach out to Fromagination in advance, you can skip or postpone a quarterly delivery, or ask that it be held until later. For example, if you've got the summer cheese due to arrive in July but you're going out of town for the 4th, you can ask that it be delivered in August instead. Or, if you skip a quarter entirely (you'll be out of the country for the winter months), you can always have your delivery added on to the end of the subscription. Just let Fromagination know.

15 days to request a refund or redelivery

If something's wrong with your Cheese of the Season delivery, you should let Fromagination know within 15 days. You can request reimbursement or a reshipment.

Company is popular, even if cheese club is lacking feedback

It's hard to say exactly how popular Fromagination's cheese club is - mostly because there were no reviews when we visited most recently. But, the reputation of the company overall is very positive, starting with an "A+” from the Better Business Bureau and hundreds of enthusiastic reviews from loyal customers. From business owners who've sent the gift of Wisconsin cheese to clients nationwide, to Yelp reviewers raving about a recent visit to the Fromagination store in Madison, you'll have a hard time finding anyone that isn't delighted with the experience.

Down by a half-star but still worth considering

We've dropped Fromagination by a half-star since our previous review: it's lost some of the options for subscription length, the window for reporting problems is half as long as it used to be, and it's not quite as flexible as some of its rivals (especially since you have to pay upfront for the entire year's deliveries). However, there are plenty of people who rave about how wonderful the cheese is, and who love Fromagination as a whole, so we have no problem giving the Cheese of the Season club an above-average score.

Cheesemonger Box

• 2 cheese clubs to consider
• Each box comes with 3 half-pound cuts of cheese from the world's best makers
• Signature Box also comes with an artisan cracker and small-batch accompaniment like jam, spread, or charcuterie
• Prices range from $75 to $95 per month
• $15 shipping fee on every delivery
• Pay as you go and cancel at any time

Founded in 2017 by professional cheesemongers and Connecticut natives Laura Downey and Chris Palumbo, Cheesemonger Box is a passion project stemming from their extensive experience in the cheese industry. Having established the renowned Fairfield Cheese Company in 2009 and its sister shop, Greenwich Cheese Company, in 2014, Laura and Chris bring a wealth of expertise to their curated cheese selections.

Certified cheese professionals

Recognized in the Oxford Companion to Cheese and hailed by Food & Wine as one of America's top five cheese shops in 2015, their commitment to artisanal and small-batch cheesemakers shines through in every box. As active members of the American Cheese Society and certified Cheese Professionals, Laura and Chris prioritize quality and authenticity in their offerings, making Cheesemonger Box a trusted source for cheese enthusiasts.

Yes, they're still in business

At first, we weren't sure if Cheesemonger Box was still in operation. When we took a look at their social media channels (and even their on-site blog), everything had gone radio silent several months to several years prior. On a whim, we popped open the messenger on Facebook to see if they'd closed up shop. Impressively, we got a response within a few minutes saying that they had been without a social media person for a while (we all know how that is!) but that yes, they're definitely still in business. Given that it was a weekend and not even normal business hours, we took that as a good sign. We'd still like it if they had something besides an online contact form and social media messaging for customers to reach them, but it's still "gouda-nough” for us (sorry...).

Just cheese or cheese + extras?

So, let's take a look at the two cheese clubs that Cheesemonger Box offers, both of which have a $15 flat rate shipping fee per delivery, with previews of the current (or next) month's contents as you scroll down the page. First up is the Classic Box: for $75 per month (plus that delivery fee, so $90 total), you'll get three half-pound cuts of cheese from around the world. In one recent subscription box, people received Challerhocker (pronounced "holler hocker") from Switzerland, Ossau Iraty from the French Pyrenées, and Merry Goat Round from Firefly Farms in Maryland. The Signature Box, at $95/month (plus $15 in shipping, so a hefty $110/month), includes the same three cheeses as the Classic while adding in an accompaniment and a cracker with every delivery. So, for the month with the cheeses we just listed, Signature Box subscribers also got 34 Degrees' Rosemary Crackers and La Quercia Prosciutto Americano.

Pay as you go for 3, 6, or 12 months

Whether you choose the Classic or the Signature Box, you have the option of subscribing for 3, 6, or 12 months, or setting it up to automatically go out month-to-month until you cancel. Any way you set it up, you'll be billed as you go instead of having to pay for the entire length of the subscription at once (we like that).

Let them know if it's a gift or if you have allergies

You can set up your Cheesemonger Box as a gift. Look for the space provided in your cart and/or during the checkout phase to enter your gift message. The company doesn't go into any details about how the gift subscription differs from a regular box (beyond sending it to a different address). In that same place, you can indicate if you or your recipient have any allergies, but again, Cheesemonger Box doesn't say what they'll do with the information.

Customer support could use some improvement

As you might have guessed, we do have some concerns about customer service at Cheesemonger Box. Remember that chat where we got a quick response? Our subsequent questions went unanswered for a long time, leaving us wondering what would happen if we got a cheese delivery that wasn't up to par: would we get any help, a refund or a replacement, or dead silence? We're glad that both cheese clubs bill month-to-month, so there's no worry about having the commitment of a long-term prepaid subscription. However, with almost no reviews for the cheese clubs or for the company itself, it's hard to put Cheesemonger Box among our more highly-recommended subscriptions.

Tentative Rating

We're willing to give Cheesemonger Box a cautiously optimistic rating among cheese clubs. It's not the least-expensive one (or two) that we've seen, but we appreciate the month-by-month pricing that makes for an easy out if anything goes amiss with the individual deliveries or with the service as a whole. Of course, we'd recommend that Cheesemonger Box find someone for their social media/blog posts ASAP, and we look forward to seeing a little more feedback for their subscriptions in the future.

Murray's Cheese

• 4 cheese clubs to choose from
• Most clubs include 3 half-pound varieties of cheese
• Prices range from $65 to $108.33 per month
• Subscribe for 3, 6, or 12 months
• Free shipping on all subscriptions
• Pay upfront for entire subscription term
• Every delivery includes details about each cheese plus a monthly topic, like putting together a charcuterie board or perfect beverage pairings

Murray's Cheese, established in Greenwich Village in 1962, remains deeply rooted in New York City, offering various local experiences. With three locations including the flagship retail store on Bleecker Street and outlets in Grand Central Terminal and Long Island City, Murray's caters to a diverse clientele, serving neighborhood regulars, commuters, and tourists alike.

More than just a cheese club

The company extends its presence beyond retail, operating two restaurants - Murray's Mac & Cheese and Murray's Cheese Bar - each offering unique dining experiences. Furthermore, Murray's offers educational programs, catering services, and online retail options via its website, along with a selection of specialty cheese available in over a thousand Kroger and Kroger-owned stores nationwide (after being acquired by Kroger in 2017). Additionally, Murray's cheese can be found in over 600 restaurants across the country through their wholesale business.

New-and-improved cheese club offerings

Murray's Cheese made some big changes to its cheese club offerings in the fall of 2023, based on feedback from subscribers over the years. Not only do they have more memberships to choose from, but each subscription also includes more cheese in each delivery. Here are the cheese clubs currently on offer (but note that there is a fifth club, Mac and Cheese, that we didn't evaluate here as a cheese-specific subscription):

• Globetrotter's Cheese Club: each month's delivery comes with three half-pound cheeses from a featured country, whether that's Spain or Switzerland, the US or the UK. This club is priced at $62.62 to $65/month, depending on the length of the subscription you choose.
• Cheese Explorer's Club: described as offering "bold, unique picks”, this subscription also comes with 2-3 half-pound cheeses. Some months will include an accompaniment in place of that third cheese selection, while others will be a club-exclusive item like a new cheese release or a cheese from one of Murray's favorite makers. You'll pay $66.67 to $70/month, based on the subscription term.
• Cheers to Cheese Club: if you've always wanted to explore perfect pairings with different cheeses, this is the subscription for you. Every monthly delivery has 3 half-pound pieces of cheese and an accompaniment, all designed to go with a recommended beverage (though you'll have to supply the libations). There's even a tasting worksheet for you to evaluate each cheese and keep track of what you loved and what you didn't. Because of that extra accompaniment, this club is priced a little higher at $80.83 to $85/month, again dependent on the subscription length.
• Cheese Board Club: charcuterie boards are all the rage, and if you'd like to take your arrangements to expert level, Murray's has you covered with this subscription. Every month, you'll get 4-5 quarter-pound pieces of cheese, along with charcuterie and other pairings, plus step-by-step instructions for Instagram-worthy arrangements. This is Murray's most expensive cheese club, at $104.17 to $108.33/month.

Sneak a peek at previous boxes

If you're curious about which cheeses have been included in previous subscription boxes at Murray's, just scroll down past the add-on accompaniments and click on the dropdown. As an example, one shipment in the Cheese Board Club came with Brooklyn Cured Sliced Smoked Beef Salami, Firehook Multigrain Flax Crackers, Murray's Delice Cheese, Three Little Figs Puddletown Pub Chutney, Murray's Irish Cheddar, Murray's Stilton, Meadow Creek Dairy Grayson, Cotswold, and Mitica Caramelized Walnuts.

Pay upfront for 3, 6, or 12 months

All of Murray's cheese clubs can last for 3, 6, or 12 months, and shipping is included in the price. You do have to pay in full for the entire subscription term, which is a slight disadvantage compared with cheese memberships that let you pay as you go.

First-time subscribers can save 10%

You can save 10% on your cheese subscription from Murray's. Either enter your email address and mobile number when you see the pop-up, or look for the "Save 10%” link in the red box (usually in the bottom left corner of the page you're on). This will subscribe you to Murray's regular newsletter, but keep in mind that the discount is for first-time subscribers only.

Reputation may be on the decline

Unfortunately, it's hard to find a lot of glowing feedback for any of the cheese clubs you can get through Murray's. Even among the reviews left on the store's own website (which we're happy to see are unfiltered), there are more than a few subscribers who haven't been impressed with what they've received. Prior to late 2023, many of them complained about the meager quantities of cheese in each delivery, so we can assume (and hope) that newer subscribers wouldn't have the same disappointment as the company upped how much it put in the boxes. However, there didn't seem to be much buzz for the new-and-improved cheese clubs either. What we saw across the board, not just for the subscriptions but for Murray's in general, is a general sentiment of "Things went downhill in the last few years, especially after Murray's was acquired by Kroger.”

Don't count on a refund or replacement

That definitely applies to customer service, which isn't always the most responsive when subscribers have had issues with deliveries. Even when people have reached out during the 24- to 48-hour window for reporting problems, getting a replacement or refund hasn't been a hassle-free experience. And, there's nothing explicitly stated in Murray's policies that says you can get a prorated refund if you pay for a subscription to a club but then decide that it's not living up to your expectations.

Not as good as you might expect

While we love the variety of cheese clubs at Murray's, we can't get excited about the overall customer experience here. It's absolutely on the higher end of the price spectrum, compared with many rival memberships, and from what we can see, it doesn't live up to expectations in terms of the value for the cost.

Cowgirl Creamery

• $110 per quarter + $15 shipping per delivery
• Each delivery comes with at least 3 cheeses (4 servings each)
• All cheeses handmade by organic and artisan producers in the US
• Gift-giving options available

In the culinary renaissance of 1976 California, Sue Conley and Peggy Smith rolled into San Francisco in a baby blue van, immersing themselves in the burgeoning food scene; Peggy at Chez Panisse and Sue co-owning Bette's Oceanview Diner. By the early 1990s, they launched Tomales Bay Foods, bridging West Marin's farms and dairies with local chefs. From this endeavor sprouted Cowgirl Creamery, sourcing milk exclusively from nearby farms. Two decades later, adorned with awards, operating not one but two creameries, and producing two thousand tons of cheese, Cowgirl Creamery stands as an industry icon, a testament to Conley and Smith's dedication and passion.

Get at least 3 varieties of cheese every quarter

This cheese club has changed a bit since our last review. First and foremost, it's only available as a quarterly subscription now: no monthly deliveries for you here. But, you'll still get at least three different cheeses (at four servings each), sourced from makers around the nation. For example, in one recent season's box, cheeses included Cowgirl Creamery's Pierce Point (described as herbaceous, floral, and fresh cream), 6 Month Cheddar from Shelburne Farms in Vermont, and Smoky Scamorza from Ferndale Farmstead in Washington State. Cowgirl Creamery will always give you suggested beverage pairings and accompaniments, some of which you'll find available as an add-on in their a la carte store.

Much more expensive than before

Another difference that jumped out right away? Pricing. As with everything these days, the cheese club at Cowgirl Creamery is more expensive now. You'll pay $110 for each delivery, plus $15 per shipment for delivery fees. $125 for 12 servings of cheese is... quite a lot.

Customer service isn't what it used to be

We're also not feeling so confident in Cowgirl Creamery's attention to customer service lately. When we went looking for some feedback on the company and on the cheese club in particular, we noticed that the social media account linked through the "contact us” chat stopped being active around 2022. That in itself wasn't a huge red flag, especially since the main Cowgirl Creamery channels were actually up to date. But seeing a cheese club review from just a few months prior to this evaluation from a customer who said their subscription box arrived with the ice packs no longer cold and the cheese was moldy? That's not a good sign. The customer continued, "We chalked this up to an honest mistake and reached out to customer service on three separate occasions, but we never heard back.”

(Still) no obvious satisfaction guarantee

We wish that Cowgirl Creamery had added a satisfaction policy since our last review, but unfortunately that's one change that hasn't happened here. As illustrated by that customer review we just mentioned, there's no guarantee that you'll even be able to get an appropriate response from the company if you don't like what you get in your cheese club delivery.

A few positives

And yet, Cowgirl Creamery (and its sister brand, Tomales Bay Foods) still gets an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau. You'll also find plenty of feedback on social media from people who are big fans of the cheese here, especially their famous Mt Tam.

Not a cheese club we'd recommend

Our final recommendation? You may want to try making a one-time purchase from Cowgirl Creamery before committing to the cheese club. You can put the company to the test first, and make sure it's everything you'd expect. Even though there are gift-giving options with this subscription (which you'll see during checkout), we would be hesitant to jump right in and gift Cowgirl Creamery's cheese club, due to the higher-than-average price and the potential problems with customer service.