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Cheesemonger Box Review

Sunday, November 3rd

2024 Cheese Club Reviews

Cheesemonger Box Review 3 Star Rating

Cheesemonger Box

3 Star Rating
  • 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...).

Best Cheese Clubs

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.

Best Cheese Clubs

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.

Where Can You Find the Best Cheese Clubs?

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.

The Best Cheese Clubs Compare Cheese Clubs Compare Cheese Club Reviews What are the best Cheese Clubs Best Cheese Club Reviews

Cheese Club FAQ

Definitely not from the limited selection of the cheese aisle at your supermarket! Cheese clubs work hard to find amazing varieties from around the world, often produced by boutique European makers or small businesses in the States.
Most cheese clubs are monthly, but you can customize your shipments to come every other month or quarterly with a few providers. Also depending on the cheese club you select, you can receive new shipments for a total of three months, six months, or for a full year.
You'll pay anywhere from $35 to $70 for each monthly delivery. That usually includes anywhere from 1.5 to just over 2 pounds of cheese. Your packages will likely contain several varieties of cheese, so you're also paying for the novelty of the experience.
Most of today's popular cheese clubs include delivery fees in the monthly cost. Check the details of any subscription you're considering to be sure that your shipping fees are part of the price.
Yes, almost always. These gourmet cheesemongers want only the most glowing praise from their loyal subscribers, so if your delivery isn't perfect you can probably get a replacement or refund right away.
Without a doubt! Subscription boxes have become more popular in recent years, but they've actually been around for a long time - and some cheese clubs have decades of experience and thousands of positive customer reviews.
Almost every cheese club comes with some kind of newsletter, which describes the origin of the cheeses in the box, recipes and pairing suggestions, and fun facts about the cheese industry. A small number of cheese clubs have plans that come with pairings, like asiago and honey, all in one box.
Cheese clubs are an excellent choice for cheese-lovers and foodies in general. You'll likely find options for including a gift message with the first delivery or having one sent via email on the date you prefer. A few subscription providers let you upgrade your shipment with gift packaging too.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

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:

  • Cost. What will you pay for the cheese club? Is it a month-to-month payment, or are you asked to pay for the full subscription upfront? Is shipping included in the quoted price?
  • Flexibility. How much can you shape your subscription to your needs? Is it just a monthly delivery or are there options for bimonthly or quarterly shipments? Can you pause your subscription at any time?
  • Gift-giving features. Cheese clubs make an excellent gift for your favorite foodies, and the best memberships include fun extras like a monthly newsletter. Also look for tools to make your gifting even easier, like being able to schedule deliveries well in advance (planning ahead for birthdays or holidays) or to include a personalized message for the recipient.
  • Satisfaction guarantee. With perishable goods like cheese, it's important to choose a club with a solid satisfaction guarantee. Will you get a refund or replacement if your cheese is stinky or moldy upon arrival (and it wasn't meant to be!)?
  • Reputation. Cheese clubs have been around for a while. What do other subscribers say about their overall experience? Are there enough customer reviews to get a feel for how well the club is doing at keeping people happy?

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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