Review: Tillamook Tillabars

Most of us have enjoyed an occasional Eskimo Pie over the years. What’s not to love about vanilla ice cream coated in chocolate and eaten off a stick? Since their invention in 1921 there have been plenty of imitators, some lousy and some great. Tillamook’s new line of Tillabars definitely falls into the latter category.

If you’re unfamiliar with Tillamook, then you have my pity. Technically known as Tillamook County Creamery Association, this dairy cooperative located on the Oregon coast began producing cheese in 1946. Over the years, their product line has expanded to include butter, sour cream, yogurt, and ice cream. Tillamook is a little pricier than some brands, but worth it; I refuse to buy any other brand of cheese, and usually opt for their other products, as well, for the simple fact that they taste better. So when Tillamook introduced a line of ice cream bars known as Tillabars a few months ago, I was eager to try them out.

Tillabars come in four different flavors: Old-Fashioned Vanilla, Mooocha Latte, Salted Caramel Swirl, and Lemonilla. We tried the Old-Fashioned Vanilla and Lemonilla flavors, and both were rich, creamy, and delicious. Once again, it’s the quality of the ingredients that sets Tillamook apart. Their vanilla ice cream is already decadent, so enrobing it in chocolate only increases the “mmm” factor. This is a pretty basic ice cream bar, but for those whose motto is “why mess with perfection,” it’s the perfect choice for a warm summer night. Or a cool spring morning. Whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, as a matter of fact, clocks be damned! But Tillamook really nails it with the Lemonilla bar. It’s lemon sorbet surrounded by vanilla ice cream and coated in white chocolate. The first bite is sinfully sweet, but when you reach the tart lemon sorbet in the center, the flavors mingle and provide a perfect contrast. It’s sweet! It’s tart! It’s….heavenly.

In short, Tillamook has done it again. Score: 4 knives.