In celebration of 100 years as an Oregon dairy cooperative, the Tillamook County Creamery Association  (TCCA) has opened the vault where its special 100th anniversary Vintage White cheddar cheese has been aging for the past three years.

On Feb. 6, 2009, the cheese will be officially unveiled at TCCA's 100th anniversary celebration at the Tillamook Cheese Visitor Center, and also will be available at select retailers, while supplies last.

TCCA's 100th anniversary cheese is in traditional wheel form, dipped in wax, boasts the cooperative's 100-year logo and comes in a special branded wooden box. It is the perfect gift for every Tillamook cheese enthusiast and is a great addition to any cheese plate.

“We are very excited to introduce our three-year aged anniversary wheel,” said Kathy Holstad, senior brand manager of TCCA. “Our heritage is extremely important to us, and in celebration of our history and to thank customers who have supported us for decades, we are releasing a naturally aged cheddar that cheese connoisseurs can’t get anywhere else.”

TCCA will continue to celebrate its 100th anniversary throughout the year, and invites the public to a birthday party in downtown Portland on July 31. Information about 100th anniversary events is available at www.TillamookFanClub.com.

TCCA considers cheesemaking an art form, and continues its age-old commitment to consistently producing high quality cheese. Tillamook cheese is produced daily from the highest quality milk, using a 100-year-old recipe. Tillamook’s award-winning cheddar is made using a slow, artisan-style method, and is aged naturally for a minimum of 60 days for medium cheddar and more than two years for Vintage White extra sharp. All Tillamook cheese is produced with milk from cows not supplemented with artificial growth hormones (rBST).

###

About Tillamook County Creamery Association
The Tillamook County Creamery Association, formed as a farmer-owned cooperative in 1909, has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s premier makers of cheese. TCCA markets an extensive line of dairy products, including naturally aged cheddar and a variety of other cheeses, butter, premium ice cream, sour cream and yogurt. For more information visit its Web site: www.TillamookCheese.com