Logan County’s own Blue Jacket Dairy is celebrating a trio of wins at the 2025 Ohio State Fair Cheese Competition, held Thursday in Cleveland.
The small-batch creamery brought home three top awards, including a first-place finish for its Silver Lake Chevre in the “Other Mammal Milk” category.
Made with fresh local goat milk, the chevre is smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of tangy — a true reflection of its farm-to-table roots.
Also placing were:
- Lemon Jewel Quark, a sweet, citrusy spreadable cheese made with whole cow’s milk and lemon zest — awarded 2nd place in the “Fresh Spreadable” category.
- Arrowhead Chevre, a savory herb goat cheese with notes of tarragon and garlic, also claimed 2nd place in the “Other Mammal Milk” class.
“These awards are really a win for the farmers we work with,” said co-owner and cheesemaker Angel King. “Their dedication to quality milk gives us the foundation for every cheese we make.”
Every cheese on Blue Jacket’s winning list has a local backstory:
- Silver Lake Chevre is named after a nearby lake that’s been a favorite for generations.
- Arrowhead Chevre honors the arrowheads often found in local farm fields — including some collected by co-owner Jim King’s grandfather.
- Lemon Jewel Quark is inspired by These Are My Jewels, a monument at the Ohio Statehouse celebrating influential Ohioans.
Angel King, who also serves as president of the Ohio Cheese Guild, says the state’s cheese scene is undergoing a revival.
“It’s exciting to see a true cheese revival happening across the state. Ohio was once on of the nation’s top cheese-producing regions, and today, that heritage is being renewed with a growing number of passionate cheesemakers.”
Since 2008, Blue Jacket Dairy has crafted artisan cheeses from its creamery in Bellefontaine, including fan favorites like fresh cheese curds, aged cheeses, quark, feta, and their signature Gretna Grillin’ Cheese.
Their products are available at local farmers markets, restaurants, and specialty shops across Ohio.
Heading to the Ohio State Fair this year, July 23–August 3?
Stop by the famous Butter Cow, then check out the nearby cheese case to see Blue Jacket’s award-winning cheeses on display.
