Bushra Griffith
America's best cheeses are judged at the annual American Cheese Society Awards, where over 2,000 cheeses compete for the title of Best in Show. The 2023 winner was St. Malachi, an eight-month-old blend of alpine and Gouda styles with a natural rind, produced by the Farm at Doe Run in Pennsylvania. Other winners include Pleasant Ridge Reserve, a Parmesan/Asiago blend aged for one year, which has won the highest honour four times. Tillamook, a brand known for its cheddar, also won the Best USA Cheese Any Variety title at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards for its Farmers' Collection Hickory Smoked Extra Sharp White Cheddar. Arethusa Farm Dairy's 13-month-aged Europa Gouda has also been named the best cheese in America at the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest, impressing 38 expert judges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best Cheese in America | Europa, a 13-month-aged Gouda from Arethusa Farm Dairy |
| Producer | Arethusa Farm Dairy |
| Owner | Richard Hayne, co-founder of Urban Outfitters |
| Location | Bantam, <co: 4,5,6,7>Connecticut</co: 7> |
| Competition | U.S. Championship Cheese Contest |
| Number of Entries | 2,414 |
| Number of Judges | 38 |
| Year | 2023 |
| Previous Winners | Pleasant Ridge Reserve, Tillamook |
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What You'll Learn
Arethusa Farm Dairy's Europa
The dairy's plant manager, Chris Casiello, attributes their success to the consistent quality of their cheese. After their first win, they scaled up the production of Europa, maintaining the same procedure to ensure the cheese's distinctive characteristics remained consistent. This proactive approach has allowed them to meet the increased demand for their award-winning product. Arethusa now has 1,000 wheels of Europa ready for sale, with an additional 1,400 wheels aging. The cheese is available in artisan cheese shops across the country, locally in Big Y stores, and nationally at Whole Foods.
Europa's smooth and dense paste makes it an excellent melting cheese, perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or a bowl of hot soup. The dairy also produces other cheeses, including Mt. Tom alpine cheese, Arethusa Blue, the Swiss-styled Crybaby, and Camembert. While these cheeses have earned their own accolades, it is Europa that has garnered the most attention from judges and celebrities alike.
The secret to Arethusa Farm Dairy's success lies not only in the consistent quality of their cheese but also in their dedication to innovation and experimentation. By embracing new ideas and techniques, such as reviving the original dairy that stood on their farm a century ago, Arethusa has created a unique and exceptional product that has earned them nationwide recognition.
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St. Malachi
The American Cheese Society Awards are an annual competition that recognizes the best cheeses in the United States. Each year, one cheese is voted the \"Best in Show,\" with over 2,000 cheeses competing for the title. The 2023 Best of Show, St. Malachi, stood out among the competition and impressed judges with its unique blend of alpine and Gouda styles and natural rind.
While St. Malachi took home the top prize at the 2023 American Cheese Society Awards, it is worth noting that other cheeses also received recognition. Three creameries tied for second runner-up, including Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Uplands Cheese, a three-time former Best of Show winner. Other notable mentions include Prairie Tomme, an aged sheep cheese from Missouri's Green Dirt Farm, and Basket Molded Chevre from Pure Luck Dairy in Texas.
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Pleasant Ridge Reserve
The cheese is made with the milk of the farm's own mixed herd of around 140 Holsteins, Brown Swiss, and Jerseys. Production is small, with about 6,000 wheels produced annually. Pleasant Ridge Reserve is known for its complex flavours and rich, savoury taste with a long, fruity finish. It has a firm, creamy texture that distinguishes it from other cheeses.
The cheese has a unique flavour profile due to the sweetness of the grass-fed milk and the savoury flavours developed by its natural, washed rind. It is a superb Parmesan/Asiago blend, rubbed with coarse-ground black peppercorns and aged for one year. This ageing process contributes to its complex flavours and perfect texture, setting a new standard for American cheeses.
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Tillamook's Hickory Smoked Extra Sharp White Cheddar
Arethusa Farm Dairy's Europa has been named the best cheese in America twice, the first cheese to do so. This 13-month-aged Gouda stood out among 2,414 entries at the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest, impressing 38 expert judges. However, Tillamook's Hickory Smoked Extra Sharp White Cheddar is a close contender.
Tillamook's Farmers' Collection Hickory Smoked Extra Sharp White Cheddar is a bold cheddar balanced with notes of savoury smokiness. It is aged with care for 15 months and contains no animal rennet, making it suitable for vegetarians. The cheese is cold-smoked for nine hours in 100% pure hickory wood smoke, with nutty, buttery notes and a delicate flavour. It has a firm and creamy texture with aromas of smoke, sweet hickory, butter and cheddar.
The cheese is best paired with beer, such as a pale ale, or wine, such as a Riesling. It can also be paired with sweet grilled fruit, savoury grilled lamb, grilled tropical fruit, grilled sausage, toasted walnuts, and a grilled baguette.
Tillamook has over 110 years of cheese-making experience, with all its cheeses made with high-quality milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones. The company is farmer-owned, with all farmers pledging not to use artificial growth hormones.
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Humboldt Fog
The cheese is now a staple of many fine cheeseboards, and it has brought Cypress Grove a considerable number of accolades. Humboldt Fog has a creamy texture and a subtle, tangy flavour with a hint of sweetness. It pairs well with a variety of wines, fruits, and nuts, making it a versatile addition to any cheese plate. Its distinctive appearance and flavour make it a favourite among cheese connoisseurs and novices alike.
In addition to its taste and texture, Humboldt Fog is also known for its sustainability practices. Cypress Grove is committed to using local and sustainable ingredients, and they work closely with their farmers to ensure the highest quality milk for their cheese. The company also prioritises environmental sustainability, using renewable energy sources and implementing waste reduction initiatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Arethusa Farm Dairy’s Europa, a 13-month-aged Gouda, was named the best cheese in America at the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest.
St. Malachi from the Farm at Doe Run in Pennsylvania won the "Best in Show" at the American Cheese Society award.
Tillamook clinched the "Best USA Cheese Any Variety" title at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards (ICDA) for its Farmers' Collection Hickory Smoked Extra Sharp White Cheddar.
