Cheese lovers, get ready to rejoice! The latest World Cheese Awards, which took place earlier this month in Viseu, Portugal, has revealed the winner of the “Best Cheddar in the World.” And guess what? This honor goes to none other than the Tillamook County Creamery Association from Oregon, for its remarkable Maker’s Reserve 2014 Extra Sharp White Cheddar. This delectable cheese isn't just award-winning; it's available for cheese aficionados to savor at home.
The World Cheese Awards, renowned for their rigorous evaluation process, featured over 4,000 cheeses from more than 40 countries this year. This prestigious event celebrates the art of cheesemaking and highlights exceptional products from around the globe. Tillamook's 2014 Extra Sharp White Cheddar stood out among the competition, prompting the panel of international judges to declare it their favorite cheddar.
According to Jill Allen, Tillamook’s Director of Product Excellence, “We are so proud of our Tillamook Maker’s Reserve program and are honored our 2014 Maker’s Reserve Extra Sharp White Cheddar took home the award for best cheddar.” She emphasizes the importance of quality and time invested during the aging process of their cheeses. This cheddar, which gains its distinctive flavor through aging, reportedly carries notes of brown butter and caramel, making it truly exceptional.
This cheddar cheese is part of Tillamook's Maker’s Reserve Program, which focuses on aging cheeses to create unique flavor profiles. Each year, the program features four consecutive vintages aged for at least three years, alongside one 10-year vintage. The extensive aging process not only enhances the flavor but also allows cheesemakers to carefully assess and select the finest batches for release.
But Tillamook's triumph doesn't end there. The 115-year-old farmer-owned cooperative also took home two bronze-level awards at this year’s World Cheese Awards for their Farmers’ Collection Hickory Smoked Extra Sharp White Cheddar and English-Style Sweet Cheddar. Such accolades only reinforce Tillamook's reputation as one of the leading cheese producers in the United States.
The annual competition this year was bigger than ever, with 1,032 companies competing and a staggering total of 4,786 cheeses submitted for judging. The United States, noting its increasing prominence on the global cheese stage, finished fourth overall with 160 total medals, trailing behind powerhouses Spain, Italy, and Switzerland.
If you're curious about where to find this award-winning cheddar, Tillamook products are distributed widely across the U.S. Grocery shoppers on the West Coast may have easier access, as the 2014 Maker’s Reserve is reported to be “readily available” at local stores. For those not located on the West Coast, the prized cheddar can also be purchased online through Tillamook’s website, making it accessible to cheese enthusiasts nationwide.
So, whether you're planning your next dinner party or just treating yourself to some quality cheese, the Maker’s Reserve 2014 Extra Sharp White Cheddar could be the perfect addition. And who knows? It might just become your new favorite!
With cheese enthusiasts all around, it's clear the quest for the best cheese is one filled with enthusiasm, expertise, and passion. The celebration of Tillamook's achievement is not just about tasting; it's about honoring the traditions and craftsmanship of cheesemaking. So, next time you're at the store, make sure to grab this award-winning cheddar and savor the taste of world-class cheese from Oregon.
That’s not all, though! Other notable American cheeses also snagged medals this year. For example, Jasper Hill Farm from Vermont earned the prestigious Super Gold medal for its Bayley Hazen Blue. They also took home two gold medals for their Harbison cheese and Vault 5 Cave Aged Cheddar and multiple other awards, making their mark on the international cheese scene.
With the evolution of cheese and the increasing recognition of American cheesemakers on the international stage, the World Cheese Awards not only highlights excellence but also encourages innovation and creativity among producers. It’s safe to say, at least for those who appreciate fine cheese, the future looks bright.
So, what's next for Tillamook and other producers riding this wave? The community of cheese lovers continues to grow, and as they say, the world is their cheese! So, keep enjoying those cheeses, celebrate local producers, and indulge your palate with the bold and delightful flavors of cheeses like Tillamook's award-winning cheddars. The world is certainly craving more of this delicious delight!
