Goot Essa

06/19/2026

Thank you, Happy Valley Agventure Bureau, for the feature! We look forward to welcoming visitors to the shop this summer.

06/17/2026

Every morning begins with a familiar sight on the farm—a tractor making it’s way up the long, gravel lane, pulling a stainless steel tank filled with fresh cow’s milk.
That milk comes directly from the family farm and arrives at our creamery just hours after milking, ready to begin its transformation into the cheeses you know and love. 
It’s a routine we’ve followed for years, connecting the farm to every wheel of cheese we make.
If you look closely at the tractor in this photo, you’ll notice something a little different—steel wheels. As part of our Amish way of life, we use steel wheels on our farm equipment rather than rubber tires. It’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations, rooted in a desire to live simply and stay connected to a slower, more intentional way of life. 
There’s nothing fancy about it—just a tractor, a tank of fresh milk, and a trip up the lane. But it’s a part of the day we don’t take for granted. It’s where every batch of cheese begins and a reminder of the farm families who make it all possible.

06/11/2026

Why salt cheese? For Marn Vom Berge it enhances flavor, helps regulate moisture, supports proper aging, and helps control the growth of the mold that forms its characteristic edible rind.

06/10/2026

We are honored to share that John Esh has been named the Western Pennsylvania District Rural Small Business Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration.
While this recognition bears John’s name, it reflects the efforts of an entire team. During his acceptance speech, John made that point clear:
“To me, this recognition today is really about the incredible team we have here at Goot Essa. We are where we are today because of their dedication, hard work, and commitment to doing things the right way.”
Those words capture the spirit of Goot Essa. From family members who have invested their time and talents, to employees who bring skill, care, and dedication to their work each day, this recognition is a reflection of the people who make Goot Essa what it is.
We are grateful for our team, our customers, our partners, and our community. Thank you for supporting our mission and sharing in this journey with us.
Congratulations, John, on this meaningful honor. While it recognizes an individual, it is a celebration of the dedication, hard work, and shared commitment of the entire Goot Essa family.

06/04/2026

National Cheese Day is a special one for us.
What began as a passion for learning the craft of cave-aged cheesemaking has grown into an opportunity to share award-winning cheeses with wonderful people from near and far. Every wheel we make represents patience, hard work, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Today, we’re celebrating not only cheese, but also the customers, visitors, and friends who make this journey so rewarding.
Thank you for being part of the Goot Essa story. Happy National Cheese Day!

06/02/2026

Classic flavors, paired beautifully. Young, silky smooth, and incredibly approachable,
Mountain Meadow Mild Cheddar with our Sweet & Spicy Dipping Mustard brings together creamy cheddar flavor with a lightly sweet finish and a touch of horseradish bite.

05/30/2026

Just another reason life on the farm never stops amazing us.

05/29/2026

We loved welcoming members of Salt Fork FFA to Goot Essa cheese shop!
From sampling cave-aged cheeses to touring our cheese cave and cheese-making room, it was a joy to share a little behind-the-scenes look at what we do each day. We always enjoy connecting with the next generation of agricultural leaders and are thankful they spent part of their trip with us.
Safe travels back to Illinois, and thanks again for visiting!

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

A simple pairing that feels just right for the season. Der Mutterschaf is our sheep milk tomme with a buttery, earthy depth and a subtle citrus finish. Paired with Aunt Ruth’s Strawberry Rhubarb Conserve, the bright sweetness highlights the richness of the cheese while adding the perfect fresh contrast. This is a pairing worth slowing down for. 🧀🍓