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Sunday, November 3rd
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.
Are you ready to embark on a delectable journey where sophistication meets delight? Welcome to the world of cheese clubs, where every bite is a celebration of flavor. Whether you're a devoted cheese connoisseur or seeking the perfect gift for someone special, cheese clubs offer an exquisite array of options to tantalize everyone's taste buds year-round.
Picture this: each month, bi-monthly, or quarterly, a mouthwatering selection of cheeses arrives at your doorstep, carefully curated from artisanal producers worldwide. With each delivery, you'll unwrap a surprising array of gourmet delights, each cheese a testament to the craftsmanship and diversity of cheese-making traditions.
Cheese club subscriptions have surged in popularity, captivating the taste buds and curiosity of people worldwide. At the heart of their appeal lies the promise of an immersive gastronomic journey, offering you a curated selection of artisanal cheeses from around the globe delivered right to your doorstep on a regular basis.
One of the primary reasons behind the allure of cheese club subscriptions is the opportunity for discovery and exploration. Each shipment can introduce you to a diverse array of cheeses, ranging from familiar favorites to rare and exotic varieties. This element of surprise and anticipation adds a sense of excitement to the experience, letting you expand your palate, deepen your appreciation for cheese, and uncover hidden gems that your may not have encountered otherwise.
Cheese club subscriptions also offer a convenient and hassle-free way to access high-quality cheeses from reputable producers. In a world where time is a precious commodity, the convenience of having carefully curated selections delivered straight to your door is invaluable. This eliminates the need to scour specialty cheese shops or navigate crowded farmers' markets in search of unique offerings, saving both time and effort while ensuring a consistently exceptional dining experience.
As you explore the world of cheese clubs, there are a few key factors to consider. Before you subscribe to a particular membership, look for the following details:
Here at Top Consumer Reviews, we've taken the guesswork out of finding the perfect cheese club. Our reviews and rankings showcase the finest offerings in the cheese club world, so that your journey into fromage bliss is nothing short of exceptional. So why wait? Treat yourself or a loved one to a gourmet experience that promises to delight the senses and elevate the everyday. Bon appétit!
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