It's not just our Olympic teams winning gold this month! (was that too cheesy??)
At the American Cheese Society's annual conference in July, Vermont cheesemakers earned 34 ribbons, including 10 first-place, 14 second-place, and 10 third-place awards out of 1,500 entries. Cheeses are judged on technical and aesthetic qualities, with points deducted for flaws and awarded for exceptional characteristics.
"To be recognized from over 1,500 entries for their commitment to producing great cheese is an incredible honor for Vermont's cheesemakers. Winning awards like these comes with a ton of gratitude for our community and pride for our hardworking cheese producers and dairy farmers across the state," - Marty Mundy, Executive Director of the Vermont Cheese Council
The Food Hub carries 12 of these award-winning cheeses, try them all to see which one earns the gold in your opinion.
First Place Winners
‘Alpha Tolman’, Jasper Hill Farm, Original Cheesemaker: Jasper Hill Creamery Team (TOP 10)
‘Riley’s 2×4’, Blue Ledge Farm, Original Cheesemaker: Greg Bernhardt
‘Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar’, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Original Cheesemaker: Team Cabot
‘Cabot Monterey Jack’, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Original Cheesemaker: Team Cabot
‘Shepsog’, Grafton Village Cheese Company, Original Cheesemaker: Mariano Gonzalez
Second Place Winners
‘Lake’s Edge’, Blue Ledge Farm, Original Cheesemaker: Greg Bernhardt & Hannah Sessions
‘Moses Sleeper’, Jasper Hill Farm, Original Cheesemaker: Jasper Hill Creamery Team
‘Willoughby’, Jasper Hill Farm, Original Cheesemaker: Jasper Hill Creamery Team
Third Place Winners
‘Camembrie’, Blue Ledge Farm, Original Cheesemaker: Greg Bernhardt and Hannah Sessions
‘Vault 5’, Cellars at Jasper Hill Farm, Original Cheesemaker: Cabot Cooperative Creamery
‘Harbison Mini’, Jasper Hill Farm, Original Cheesemaker: Jasper Hill Creamery Team
‘Whitney’, Jasper Hill Farm, Original Cheesemaker: Jasper Hill Creamery Team
See the full list of 34 Vermont award winners at NBC 5
Photo c/o American Cheese Society