This year's World Cheese Awards celebrated tremendous achievements, showcasing exceptional cheese creations from around the globe, particularly focusing on two American firms making waves on the international stage.
Taking place earlier this month in Viseu, Portugal, the awards featured over 4,800 varieties of cheese assessed by 240 seasoned judges. It's no surprise then, with such stiff competition, the event highlighted how American cheesemakers are earning their place among the best of the best.
One standout was Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), which won the prestigious title of "best cheddar cheese". This honor was bestowed upon their 2014 Extra Sharp White Cheddar, reflecting years of dedication to crafting high-quality products. This ten-year-aged cheese emerges from the esteemed Maker's Reserve program, known for its vintage releases.
“Just as we heat the milk to the perfect temperature for the perfect length of time, we cool our cheddar blocks to the optimal temperature for slow fermentation and aging,” stated Tillamook, explaining their method. The Winning cheddar, priced at $26 for 8 ounces, not only clinched the top spot but also earned TCCA bronze medals for its Hickory Smoked Extra Sharp White Cheddar and English-Style Sweet Cheddar.
Meanwhile, Vermont's own Cellars at Jasper Hill Farm also drew significant attention, landing fifth place overall for its Bayley Hazen Blue raw milk blue cheese. This award earned them the prestigious title of "Best American Cheese" and even managed to secure Super Gold honors. Known for its creamy, fudge-like texture and sweet, nutty flavor profile, the Bayley Hazen Blue reflects the collaboration of farm-to-fork principles championed by Jasper Hill.
Cellars at Jasper Hill boasts not just one but several medal-winning cheeses. Their Vault 5 Cave Aged cheddar and the Harbison soft-ripened cheese claimed golds, and the overall total included four silver and one bronze awards across multiple cheese categories.
But it isn't just American companies basking in the success spotlight. Laura Chenel, renowned for their artisan goat cheese, was also recognized at the World Cheese Awards. Winning silver for their Creamy Original Spreadable Goat Cheese and bronze for both their Garlic & Chive Fresh Goat Cheese and the Jalapeño Chili Marinated Goat Cheese, this Sonoma-based producer is praised for its commitment to flavor and quality.
Laura Chenel's commitment to excellence was echoed by their Director of Marketing, Durae Hardy, who proudly acknowledged the blend of premium goat milk sourced from family farms and the artisanal skills of their cheesemakers. “These awards inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence,” said Hardy.
Across the board, the judging panel assessed dealers using criteria such as appearance, aroma, texture, and, most critically, flavor and mouthfeel. Michael Christensen, Vice President of Sales for Prairie Farms’ Cheese Division, also expressed pride over the company’s success, noting their impressive awards for Gouda and Gorgonzola cheeses.
With the Grotto 222 Natural Rinded Gouda taking home silver and the AmaGorg Gorgonzola clinching bronze, Prairie Farms continues its legacy as one of the leading dairy cooperatives in America. Their cheeses uniquely age alongside blue cheeses, which imparts distinctive characteristics to the Gouda, contributing to its popularity.
Overall, the 2024 World Cheese Awards reaffirm the growing recognition of American-made cheeses, proving they're not only competing on the world stage but excelling with distinct flavors and innovative methods. Industry leaders like TCCA, Jasper Hill Farm, and Laura Chenel are not just participating but are becoming central players internationally, showcasing what American cheesemaking is truly capable of.
These results demonstrate the hard work and creativity of cheese producers across the nation, and send out clear messages to consumers to support their local cheesemakers who are thriving and pushing boundaries every day.
