Via Jeanne Carpenter of the Dairy Business Innovation Center:
I bring tidings of great joy from the American Cheese Society conference here in Chicago. Cue the drum roll please …Wisconsin Captures 91 Ribbons, Prestigious Best of Show Award at American Cheese Society ConferenceWisconsin cheesemakers swept the annual American Cheese Society Competition today in Chicago, Ill., capturing 91 ribbons, including the prestigious Best of Show prize.
Of 1,149 total entries, Wisconsin cheesemakers scored nearly one third of all awards bestowed, more than any other state. America’s Dairyland’s 91 awards included 25 firsts, 32 seconds and 34 third places. Cheesemakers from 181 companies in 30 U.S. states and Canada were represented.Master Cheesemaker Sid Cook, of Carr Valley Cheese, LaValle, landed 18 ribbons, including Best of Show with his Snow White Goat Cheddar and Third Runner Up Best of Show with Cave Aged Marisa. Holland’s Family Farm cheesemaker Marieke Penterman, Thorp, captured the second most ribbons for Wisconsin, with a total of eight awards for her Dutch-style goudas.First place ribbons went to:• BelGioioso Cheese Inc., Denmark: Romano, Fresh Mozzarella – Prosciutto Basil Log
• Brunkow Cheese, Darlington: Brun-uusto Jalapeno Baked Cheese
• Carr Valley Cheese, LaValle: Bread Cheese, Airco, Snow White Goat Cheddar, Cave Aged Marisa
• Cedar Grove Cheese, Plain: Cumin & Clove Dutch Style
• Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese: Farmer’s Rope
• Edelweiss Creamery: Emmentaler
• Hidden Springs Creamery, Westby: Driftless Cranberry, Ocooch Mountain Cheese
• Hoch Enterprises, Braun Suisse Käse, Beloit: Cheddar Aged Less Than 12 Months, Cheddar Aged More Than 12 Months
• Holland’s Family Cheese, Thorp: Marieke Plain Gouda, Marieke Smoked Gouda
• Klondike Cheese, Monroe: Peppercorn Feta, Dill Havarti
• Maple Leaf Cooperative, Monroe: English Hollow Cheddar
• Nordic Creamery, Westby: Capriko
• Park Cheese, Fond du Lac: Provolone
• Pine River, Newton: Black Diamond Extra Sharp Cold Pack Cheese Food
• Roth Käse USA, Monroe: Gran Queso
• Sartori Foods, Plymouth: Sartori Reserve Raspberry Bellavitano…
Also, I’m blogging live all week from the conference at http://cheeseunderground.blogspot.com/ in case you want a flavor of the atmosphere.Happy day!
Right on, Wisconsin.
