2012 Winners
2012 ACS JUDGING & COMPETITION RESULTS
Raleigh, North Carolina
August 3, 2012
The American Cheese Society (ACS) is a not-for-profit trade organization founded in 1983 to support the North American artisan and specialty cheese industry. ACS provides advocacy, education, business development, and networking opportunities for members of the cheese industry, while striving to continually raise the quality and availability of cheese in North America.
The cheesemakers listed below represent all of the entrants in the 2012 ACS Judging
& Competition: our largest ever, with 254 companies submitting 1,711 different products. Winners in each category are listed separately. Unlike other cheese competitions, where cheeses are only graded down for technical defects, ACS’s goal is to give positive recognition to those cheeses that are of the highest quality in their aesthetic and technical evaluation. As a result, the highest quality cheeses are those that ACS feels deserve the recognition of an award, based on a minimum number of points awarded (totaling 100 points possible) for first, second, or third place. In categories or sub-categories where the minimum number of points is not earned, no award is given.
Our congratulations go out to all of the dedicated, passionate, creative producers who work daily to bring the traditions of North American cheese to life, to market, and to the largest ACS Judging & Competition to date.
For a full list of cheeses judged in the 2012 ACS Judging & Competition, download a detailed Excel spreadsheet below.
All Cheeses Judged in ACS 2012 Judging & Competition
Best of Show
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, WA
Flagsheep
2nd Place
Valley Shepherd Creamery, NJ
Crema de Blue
3rd Place
Emmi Roth USA
Roth Grand Cru Surchoix
Complete List of 2012 Winners
A. FRESH UNRIPENED CHEESES
AC: Open Category – made from cow’s milk
1st Franklin Foods, VT: Green Mountain Farms Cultured Cream Cheese
2nd Swiss Valley Farms, IA: Cream Cheese
3rd Franklin Foods, VT: Hahn’s Cultured Cream Cheese
AG: Open Category – made from goat’s milk
1st Umbuzi Farm, FL: Cream Cheese
2nd Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery, VT: Creamy Goat Cheese Classic
3rd Montchevré-Betin, Inc., WI: Montchevré Fromage Blanc
AS: Open Category – made from sheep’s milk or mixed milks
1st Quality Cheese Inc., ON: Buffalo Ricotta
2nd La Fromagerie Alexis de Portneuf, QC: Chèvre des Neiges
2nd La Moutonnière Inc., QC: Neige De Brebis
3rd Fruition Farms Dairy & Creamery, CO: Whole Sheep’s Milk Ricotta
3rd Mozzarella Company, TX: Grassias
AM: Mascarpone – made from cow’s milk
1st Miceli Dairy Products, OH: Mascarpone
2nd Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery, VT: Mascarpone
3rd Sorrento Lactalis, ID: Mascarpone
AR: Ricotta – made from cow’s milk
1st LiuzziAngeloni Cheese, CT: Hand Dipped Ricotta
2nd BelGioioso Cheese Inc., WI: BelGioioso Ricotta con Latte Whole Milk
2nd Calabro Cheese Corporation, CT: Hand Dipped Ricotta
3rd Maplebook Farm, VT: Ricotta Hand-Dipped
AQ: Fromage Blanc, Fromage Frais and Quark – made from cow’s milk
1st Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery, VT: Quark
2nd Nicasio Valley Cheese Co., CA: Foggy Morning
3rd Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery, VT: Fromage Blanc
B. SOFT RIPENED CHEESES
BA: Open Category – made from cow’s milk
1st MouCo Cheese Company, CO: MouCo Ashley
2nd Cellars at Jasper Hill, VT: Harbison
3rd Sweet Grass Dairy, GA: Green Hill
BB: Brie – made from cow’s milk
1st Brazos Valley Cheese, TX: Eden
2nd Brazos Valley Cheese, TX: Brie
3rd Agropur Fine Cheese, QC: Brie Normandie
3rd Marin French Cheese Company, CA: Rouge et Noir Original Brie
BC: Camembert – made from cow’s milk
1st Belmont – Lactalis American Group. Inc, WI: Camembert 8 oz – President
2nd Marin French Cheese Company, CA: Rouge et Noir Original Camembert
3rd Agropur Fine Cheese, QC: Grand Camembert L’Extra
BG: Open Category – made from goat’s milk
1st Laura Chenel’s Chevre, CA: Laura Chenel’s Chevre Melodie
2nd Looking Glass Creamery, LLC, NC: Ellington
2nd Quality Cheese Inc., ONL Ash Goat
3rd Fromagerie Le Détour, QC: Grey Owl
3rd Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy, CO: Haystack Mountain Camembert
BS: Open Category – made from sheep’s or mixed
1st Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, IL: Black Sheep
2nd Fromages CDA Inc, QC: Le Soeur Angèle
3rd Nettle Meadow, NY: Three Sisters
BF: Flavor Added – spices, herbs, seasoning, fruits – all milks
1st Cypress Grove Chevre, CA: Truffle Tremor
2nd Alouette Cheese USA LLC, IL: Alouette Brie with Truffles
2nd La Fromagerie 1860 DuVillage inc., QC: Lady Laurier d’Arthabaska
3rd Turner Farm Creamery, ME: Whitecap
3rd Zingerman’s Creamery, MI: Detroit St. Brick
BT: Triple Crème – soft ripened/cream added – all milks
1st Agropur Fine Cheese, QC: Rondoux Triple Crème
2nd Agropur Fine Cheese, QC: Chevalier Triple Crème
2nd Marin French Cheese Company, CA: Rouge et Noir Triple Crème Brie
3rd La Fromagerie Alexis de Portneuf, QC: Chèvre des Neiges Brie Triple Crème
C. AMERICAN ORIGINALS
CB: Brick Cheese – made from cow’s milk
1st No Award Given
2nd Pasture Pride Cheese, WI: Brick
3rd Klondike Cheese Co., WI: Brick
CD: Dry Jack – made from cow’s milk
1st No Award Given
2nd Vella Cheese Company of California, CA: Special Select Dry Monterey Jack
3rd Rumiano Cheese Company, CA: Dry Monterey Jack
CJ: Monterey Jack – made from cow’s milk
1st Mt Townsend Creamery, WA: New Moon
2nd Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., WI: Monterey Jack
3rd Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, CA: Raw Organic Creamy Jack
CM: Brick Muenster – made from cow’s milk
1st McCadam Cheese, NY: McCadam Muenster
2nd Edelweiss Creamery, WI: Muenster
3rd Morning Star Farm, MN: Muenster
CY: Colby – made from cow’s milk
1st Tillamook County Creamery Association, OR: Tillamook Colby
2nd Cedar Grove Cheese, WI: Marble Colby
3rd DCI Cheese Company, WI: Black Creek Colby
3rd Widmers Cheese Cellars, WI: Traditional Colby
CC: Original Recipe / Open Category – made from cow’s milk
1st Spring Day Creamery, ME: La Vie en Rose
2nd Plymouth Artisan Cheese, VT: Original Plymouth
2nd Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., CA: Point Reyes Toma
3rd Cowgirl Creamery, CA: Wagon Wheel
CG: Original Recipe / Open Category – made from goat’s milk
1st Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery, VT: Coupole
2nd Ruggles Hill Creamery, MA: Brothers’ Walk
3rd Rivers Edge Chevre, OR: Rivers Edge Chevre Beltane
CS: Original Recipe / Open Category – made from sheep’s milk or mixed milks
1st Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, WA: Flagsheep
2nd Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery, VT: Cremont
3rd La Moutonnière Inc., QC: Sein D’Hélène
D. AMERICAN MADE / INTERNATIONAL STYLE
DD: Dutch style (Gouda, Edam etc.) – all milks
1st Old Europe Cheese, Inc., MI: 4 lb Edam Ball
2nd Ely Farm Products, PA: Washington Crossing
2nd Holland’s Family Cheese, WI: Marieke Gouda Aged (9-12 month)
3rd Willamette Valley Cheese, OR: Farmstead Gouda
DF: Dutch style – Flavor Added – spices, herbs, seasonings, fruits, etc. – all milks
1st Vintage Cheese of Montana, MT: Mountina-Mocha
2nd Oakdale Cheese & Specialties, CA: Cumin Gouda
3rd Fromagerie Bergeron Inc, QC: Le Coureur des bois
3rd Holland’s Family Cheese, WI: Marieke Gouda Cumin
DC: Open Category – made from cow’s milk
1st Emmi Roth USA, WI: Roth Grand Cru Surchoix
2nd Leelanau Cheese Co., MI: Aged Raclette
3rd Emmi Roth USA, WI: Roth Grand Cru Original
DE: Emmental style with eye formation (Swiss, Baby Swiss, Blocks, Wheels) – made from cow’s milk
1st No Award Given
2nd DCI Cheese Company, WI: Stella Swiss
2nd Swiss Valley Farms, IA: Baby Swiss Wheel
3rd Central Coast Creamery, CA: Holey Cow
3rd Swiss Valley Farms, IA: Baby Swiss Block
3rd Swiss Valley Farms, IA: Swiss Block
DG: Open Category – made from goat’s milk
1st Laura Chenel’s Chevre, CA: Laura Chenel’s Chevre Crottin
2nd Redwood Hill Farm, CA: California Crottin
3rd Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery, VT: Bijou
DS: Open Category – made from sheep’s milk or mixed milks
1st Sartori Company, WI: Sartori Limited Edition Pastorale Blend
2nd Valley Shepherd Creamery, NJ: Oktoberkaas
3rd Fromagerie du Presbytère, QC: Pionnier
E. CHEDDARS
EA: Aged Cheddar – aged over 12 and up to 24 months – all milks
1st DCI Cheese Company, ON: Black Diamond 2 Year Aged Cheddar
2nd Mt. Sterling Cheese Co-op, WI: Raw Goat Milk Sharp Cheddar
3rd Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company, VT: Governor’s Cheddar
EF: Cheddar with sweet flavorings, fruits, seasonings, herbs, spices, alcohol/spirits – all
1st Beehive Cheese Company LLC, UT: TeaHive
2nd Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, WA: Yule Käse
3rd Beehive Cheese Company LLC, UT: Barely Buzzed
EP: Cheddar flavored with sweet, savory, jalapeno, chipotle, red, green peppers; black, white, green peppercorns; garlic, onions – all milks
1st Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, WA: Marco Polo Reserve
2nd Springside Cheese Corp, WI: Olive White Cheddar
3rd Beehive Cheese Company LLC, UT: Big John’s Cajun Rubbed
EC: Cheddar – aged up to 12 months – made from cow’s milk
1st Kraft Foods, WI: Sharp Cheddar
2nd The Artisan Cheese Exchange, WI: Deer Creek “The Fawn”
3rd Kraft Foods, WI: Limited Edition Extra Sharp Cheddar
EG: Cheddar – aged up to 12 months – made from goat’s milk
1st Heartland Creamery, MO: Cheddar Goat
2nd Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, CA: Caprae Raw Aged Goat Cheddar
3rd Central Coast Creamery, CA: Goat Cheddar
EX: Mature Cheddar – aged over 24 and up to 48 months – all milks
1st The Artisan Cheese Exchange, WI: Deer Creek Reserve
2nd Cabot Creamery Cooperative, VT: Cabot Vintage Choice Cheddar
2nd The Artisan Cheese Exchange, WI: Deer Creek Vat 17
3rd Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., WI: 4 Year Cheddar
3rd Tillamook County Creamery Association, OR: Tillamook Special Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar
EE: Mature Cheddar – aged over 48 months – all milks
1st Parmalat Canada, ON: Balderson Heritage Cheddar 5 Year
2nd No Award Given
3rd Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., WI: 6 Year Cheddar
EW: Cheddar wrapped in cloth, linen – aged up to 12 months – all milks
1st Avalanche Cheese Company, CO: Avalanche Cheese Company Hand Bandaged Goat Cheddar
2nd Saxon Cheese, LLC, WI: Pastures
3rd Brazos Valley Cheese, TX: Cheddar
EB: Cheddar wrapped in cloth, linen – aged over 12 months – all milks
1st Fiscalini Cheese Co., CA: Bandage Wrap Cheddar Vintage
2nd Cows Creamery, PE: Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar (aged over 12 months)
3rd Avalanche Cheese Company, CO: Avalanche Cheese Company Hand Bandaged Goat Cheddar Reserve
F. BLUE MOLD CHEESES
FC: Rindless Blue-veined – made from cow’s milk
1st Rogue Creamery, OR: Oregon Blue
2nd Hook’s Cheese Company, Inc., WI: Blue Paradise
3rd CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley, WI: Organic Pasteurized Blue Cheese
FG: Rindless Blue-veined – made from goat’s milk
1st Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., WI: Billy Blue
2nd Montchevré-Betin, Inc., WI: Chevre in Blue
3rd Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., WI: Baraboo Blue
FS: Rindless Blue-veined – made from sheep’s milk or mixed milks
1st BelGioioso Cheese Inc., WI: BelGioioso Gorgonzola with Sheeps Milk
2nd Hook’s Cheese Company, Inc., WI: Little Boy Blue
3rd Old Chatham Sheepherding Company, NY: Ewe’s Blue
FK: Blue-veined with a rind or external coating – made from cow’s milk
1st Willapa Hills Cheese, WA: Big Boy Blue
2nd Rogue Creamery, OR: Flora Nelle
3rd Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., CA: Point Reyes New Blue
FL: Blue-veined with a rind or external coating – made from goat’s milk
1st Pure Luck Farm and Dairy, TX: Hopelessly Blue
2nd Avalanche Cheese Company, CO: Avalanche Cheese Company Midnight Blue
3rd FireFly Farms, MD: Mountain Top Bleu
FM: Blue-veined with a rind or external coating – made from sheep’s or mixed milk
1st VALLEY SHEPHERD CREAMERY, NJ: Crema De Blue
2nd La Moutonnière Inc., QC: Blue De La Moutonnière
3rd Snowy Mountain Sheep Creamery, UT: Timpanogos Peak
FE: External Blue molded cheeses – all milks
1st Westfield Farm, MA: Classic Blue Log
2nd Westfield Farm, MA: Bluebonnet
3rd Westfield Farm, MA: Hubbardston Blue (Cow)
G. HISPANIC & PORTUGUESE STYLE CHEESES
GA: Ripened category – all milks
1st Emmi Roth USA, WI: Roth GranQueso Reserve
2nd Emmi Roth USA, WI: Roth GranQueso
3rd Nuestro Queso, LLC, IL: Cotija
GC: Fresh Unripened category – all milks
1st Karoun Dairies Inc, CA: Queso Del Valle Queso Fresco
2nd Karoun Dairies Inc, CA: Queso Del Valle Panela
3rd Mozzarella Company, TX: Queso Oaxaca
3rd Nuestro Queso, LLC, IL: Panela
3rd Ochoa’s Queseria, OR: Don Froylan Queso Oaxaca
GF: Flavor Added – spices, herbs, seasoning, fruits – all milks
1st No Award Given
2nd No Award Given
3rd Mozzarella Company, TX: Queso Blanco with Chiles
H. ITALIAN TYPE CHEESES (Excluded: Mascarpone and Ricotta)
HP: Pasta Filata types (Provolone, Caciocavallo) – all milks
1st BelGioioso Cheese Inc., WI: BelGioioso Sharp Provolone Mandarino
2nd Loveras Market, OK: Caciocavera
3rd BelGioioso Cheese Inc., WI: BelGioioso Mild Provolone
HA: Grating types (Reggianito, Sardo, Domestic Parmesan) – all milks; Romano made only from cow’s or goat’s milk and not from sheep’s milk
1st BelGioioso Cheese Inc., WI: BelGioioso Asiago
2nd BelGioioso Cheese Inc., WI: BelGioioso Parmesan
3rd Sartori Company, WI: Sartori Reserve SarVecchio Parmesan
HM: Mozzarella types (Brick, Scamorza, String Cheese) – all milks
1st Formaggio Italian Cheese, NY: Armenian String Cheese
2nd Burnett Dairy Co-op, WI: Mozzarella String Cheese
3rd Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, LLC, WI: Farmers Rope String Cheese
3rd Lactalis American Group, NY: Whole Milk Low Moisture Mozzarella
HY: Fresh Mozzarella – 8 oz. or more (Balls or Shapes) – all milks
1st Quality Cheese Inc., ON: Buffalo Mozzarella
2nd BelGioioso Cheese Inc., WI: BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella Thermoform
3rd Lactalis American Group-Tipton, CA: Galbani 8oz Ball
HZ: Fresh Mozzarella – under 8 oz. (Ovalini, Bocconcini, Ciliegine sizes) – all milks
1st LiuzziAngeloni Cheese, CT: Fresh Mozzarellla
2nd Saputo Dairy Products Canada G.P., QC: Mozzarina di Bufala
3rd Lactalis American Group-Tipton, CA: Galbani 4oz Ball
HB: Burrata – Fresh mozzarella encasing a distinctly separate, softer curd and cream, or other soft cheese, core – all milks
1st No Award Given
2nd Miceli Dairy Products, OH: Burrata
3rd Belfiore Cheese Company, CA: Belfiore Burrata 8 Ounce
I. FETA CHEESES
IC: Feta – made from cow’s milk
1st Maplebrook Farm, VT: Whole Milk Block Feta
2nd Belfiore Cheese Company, CA: Belfiore Mediterranean Style Feta in Brine 12 Ounce
3rd Klondike Cheese Co., WI: Feta in Brine
IG: Feta – made from goat’s milk
1st Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery, VT: Feta
2nd Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy, CO: Haystack Mountain Feta
3rd Umbuzi Farm, FL: Feta
IS: Feta – made from sheep’s milk or mixed milks
1st La Moutonnière Inc., QC: Feta
2nd Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., WI: Sheep
3rd Best Baa Dairy Ltd., ON: Best Baa Dairy Sheep Milk Feta
3rd Garden Variety Cheese, CA: Cosmos
IF: Flavor Added – spices, herbs, seasoning, fruits – all milks
1st Klondike Cheese Co., WI: Peppercorn Feta
2nd La Moutonnière Inc., QC: Feta in Oil with Herbs
3rd Chapel’s Country Creamery, MD: Marinated Feta
J. LOW FAT / LOW SALT CHEESES
JL: Fat Free and Low Fat cheeses
1st Agropur Fine Cheese, QC: Allegro probio 7%
2nd Lactalis American Group, NY: Low Fat Ricotta
3rd Klondike Cheese Co., WI: Low Fat Feta
JR: Light/Lite and Reduced Fat cheeses
1st Fromages CDA Inc, QC: L’Empereur Léger
2nd Kraft Foods, SD: Reduced Fat Extra Sharp Cheddar
3rd Sorrento Lactalis, ID: Reduced Fat String
JF: Flavor Added – spices, herbs, seasonings, fruits – all milks
1st Cabot Creamery Cooperative, VT: Cabot Jalapeno 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar
2nd Lactalis U.S.A., Inc., WI: Rondelé Garlic & Herbs Light Spreadable Cheese
3rd Coach Farm, NY: Coach Farm Reduced Fat Fresh Goat Cheese with Pepper
3rd Franklin Foods, VT: Hahn’s Yogurt & Cream Cheese Strawberries N’ Cream
K. FLAVORED CHEESES
KC: Cheeses flavored with all peppers (chipotle, jalapeno, chili, etc.) – all milks
1st Widmers Cheese Cellars, WI: Colby with Jalapenos
2nd Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., WI: Jalapeno Bread Cheese
3rd Brunkow Cheese, WI: Brun-uusto with Jalapeño
KF: Cheeses flavored with herbs, fruits, vegetables, truffles, flowers, syrups – all milks
1st Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, LLC, WI: Petit Frére with Truffles
2nd Agropur Fine Cheese, QC: OKA Mushrooms
3rd La Fromagerie Alexis de Portneuf, QC: Chèvre des Neiges Fig & Orange
KP: Cheeses flavored with crushed or whole peppercorns,savory spices, and other savory seasonings, including protein – all milks
1st BelGioioso Cheese Inc., WI: BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella, Prosciutto & Basil Roll
2nd Formaggio Italian Cheese, NY: Soppressata Roll
3rd BelGioioso Cheese Inc., WI: Cappiello Hand-Braided Fresh Mozzarella Zesty Marinated
3rd Formaggio Italian Cheese, NY: Chorizo Roll
KH: Flavor Added Havarti – spices, herbs, seasonings, fruits – all milks
1st No Award Given
2nd Edelweiss Creamery, WI: Vegetable Havarti
3rd Arla Foods Production LLC, WI: Havarti Jalapeno
3rd Emmi Roth USA, WI: Roth Havarti with Peppadew
KJ: Flavor Added Monterey Jack – spices, herbs, seasonings, fruits – all milks
1st DCI Cheese Company, WI: Great Midwest Morel & Leek Jack
2nd Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., WI: Hot Pepper Jack
2nd DCI Cheese Company, WI: Great Midwest Bruschetta Jack
3rd DCI Cheese Company, WI: Great Midwest Habanero Jack
3rd Heber Valley Artisan Cheese, UT: Wasatch Back Jack
3rd Pineland Farms Creamery, ME: Pepper Jack
3rd Tillamook County Creamery Association, OR: Tillamook Hot Habanero Jack
L. SMOKED CHEESES
LC: Open Category – made from cow’s milk
1st No Award Given
2nd Fromagerie Bergeron Inc, QC: Le Calumet
3rd Holland’s Family Cheese, WI: Marieke Gouda Smoked
3rd Karoun Dairies Inc, CA: Karoun Smoked Braided String Cheese
LG: Open Category – made from goat’s milk, sheep’s milk or mixed milks
1st Goat Lady Dairy, NC: Smoked Round
2nd Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., WI: Smoked Ba Ba Blue
3rd Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy, CO: Haystack Mountain Smoked Chevre
LM: Smoked Italian Styles (Mozzarella, Scamorza, Bocconcini, Ovalini, etc.) – all milks
1st Formaggio Italian Cheese, NY: TWICE Smoked String Cheese
2nd Gold Creek Farms, UT: Smoked Parmesan
3rd Saputo Dairy Products Canada G.P., QC: Smoked Caciocavallo
LD: Smoked Cheddars – all milks
1st Gold Creek Farms, UT: Smoked Cheddar
2nd Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., WI: Apple Smoked Cheddar
3rd Fiscalini Cheese Co., CA: Smoked Cheddar
M. FARMSTEAD CHEESES
MA: Open Category – Soft – all milks; Aged up to 60 days – Over 50% moisture
1st Sequatchie Cove Creamery, TN: Dancing Fern
2nd Cellars at Jasper Hill, VT: Weybridge from Scholten Family Farm
3rd Coach Farm, NY: Coach Farm Fresh Goat Cheese
3rd Rivers Edge Chevre, OR: Rivers Edge Chevre Siltcoos
MC: Open Category – Semisoft – made from cow’s milk; Aged over 60 days – Between 39 and 50%
1st Fromages CDA Inc, QC: Le Baluchon
2nd Fromages CDA Inc, QC: Le St-Anne
3rd Thistle Hill Farm, VT: Tarentaise
ME: Open Category – Hard – made from cow’s milk; Aged over 60 days – Less than 39% moisture
1st Cricket Creek Farm, MA: Maggies Reserve
2nd Flat Creek Lodge, GA: Natural Rind Cheddar
2nd Fromagerie du Presbytère, QC: Louis D’Or
2nd Fromagerie La Station, QC: Alfred Le Fermier
2nd Fromagerie La Station, QC: Chemin Hatley
2nd Robinson Farm, MA: A Barndance
2nd Sprout Creek Farm, NY: Toussaint
3rd Nature’s Harmony Farm, GA: Fortsonia
3rd Uplands Cheese, WI: Extra-Aged Pleasant Ridge Reserve
MG: Open Category – Aged over 60 days – made from goat’s milk
1st Ruggles Hill Creamery, MA: Greta’s Fair Haven
2nd Sprout Creek Farm, NY: Madeleine
3rd Boston Post Dairy, LLC, VT: Tres Bonne
3rd Latte Da Dairy, TX: Latte Da Caerphilly
MS: Open Category – Aged over 60 days – made from sheep’s milk or mixed milks
1st Black Sheep Creamery, WA: St. Helens
2nd Willamette Valley Cheese, OR: Perrydale
3rd Everona Dairy, VA: Stony Man
3rd Kokoborrego Cheese Company, OH: Owl Creek Tomme
MF: Open Category for all cheeses with Flavor Added – spices, herbs, seasonings, fruits – all milks
1st Holland’s Family Cheese, WI: Marieke Gouda Foenegreek
2nd Ruggles Hill Creamery, MA: Lea’s Great Meadow
3rd Nicasio Valley Cheese Co., CA: Foggy Morning with Garlic and Basil
N. FRESH GOAT’S MILK CHEESES
NO: Fresh Goat Rindless (black ash coating permitted) – extruded shape, logs, cylinders, buche style or in containers, cups, tubs, cryovac
1st Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, CA: Bella Capra Chevre
2nd Coach Farm, NY: Coach Farm Fresh Curd
2nd Three Graces Dairy, LLC, NC: Plain Jane
3rd Woolwich Dairy, WI: Woolwich Dairy Original Chevrai
NS: Fresh Goat Cheese – Hand shaped, formed or molded into pyramid, disc, drum, crottin, basket or other shape
1st Baetje Farms LLC, MO: Coeur de la Créme – Plain
2nd Mystery Bay Farm, WA: Fresh Chevre
3rd Umbuzi Farm, FL: Chevre
NF: Flavor Added – floral, fruits, liquors, citrus, berries, cacao
1st Montchevré-Betin, Inc., WI: Wellspring (by Montchevré) Cranberry Orange
2nd Latte Da Dairy, TX: Latte Da Chocolate Goat Cheese Truffles
3rd Briar Rose Creamery, OR: Chocolate Chevre Truffles
3rd Finica Food Specialties, ON: Celebrity International Cranberry & Cinnamon Goat Cheese
3rd Three Graces Dairy, LLC, NC: Turkish Delight
NH: Flavor Added – herbs, extracts, truffles, truffle oil
1st No Award Given
2nd Finica Food Specialties, ON: Celebrity International Goat Cheese Dill
3rd Finica Food Specialties, ON: Celebrity International Goat Cheese Honey
NP: Flavor Added – peppers (sweet or savory, jalapenos, chipotles, etc.), mustards, olives, wasabi, onion, garlic, spices
1st Cypress Grove Chevre, CA: Sgt. Pepper
2nd Laura Chenel’s Chevre, CA: Laura Chenel’s Four Pepper Chabis
3rd Finica Food Specialties, ON: Celebrity International Mediterranean Goat Cheese
3rd Montchevré-Betin, Inc., WI: Montchevré Crottin with 4-Peppers
O. FRESH SHEEP’S MILK CHEESES
OO: Open Category
1st Hidden Springs Creamery, WI: Driftless – Natural
2nd La Moutonnière Inc., QC: Cabanon
3rd Shepherd’s Way Farms, MN: Shepherd’s Hope
OF: Flavor Added – spices, herbs, seasonings, fruits
1st Green Dirt Farm, LLC, MO: Fresh Nettle
2nd Green Dirt Farm, LLC, MO: Fresh Rosemary
3rd Hidden Springs Creamery, WI: Driftless – Cranberry Cinnamon
P. MARINATED CHEESES
PC: Open Category marinated in liquids and ingredients – made from cow’s milk
1st Formaggio Italian Cheese, NY: Marinated Ciliegine
2nd Sartori Company, WI: Sartori Reserve Merlot BellaVitano
3rd Calabro Cheese Corporation, CT: Ciliegine Salad
3rd Formaggio Italian Cheese, NY: Grilled Vegetable w/ Ciliegine
PG: Open Category marinated in liquids and ingredients – made from goat’s milk
1st No Award Given
2nd Laura Chenel’s Chevre, CA: Laura Chenel’s Chevre Cabecou
3rd Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy, CO: Haystack Mountain Chevre in Marinade
PS: Open Category marinated in liquids and ingredients – made from sheep’s milk or mixed
1st Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., WI: Canaria
2nd Grafton Village Cheese, VT: Ewewden, Apple Pie
3rd No Award Given
Q. CULTURED MILK PRODUCTS
QC: Cultured Products – made from cow’s milk
1st Karoun Dairies Inc, CA: Karoun Labne Kefir cheese
2nd Redwood Hill Farm, CA: Lactose Free Sour Cream
3rd Straus Family Creamery, CA: Sour Cream
QG: Cultured Products – made from goat’s milk
1st No Award Given
2nd Redwood Hill Farm, CA: Plain Kefir
3rd No Award Given
QA: Cultured Products – Flavor Added – spices, herbs, seasonings, fruits – all milks
1st Redwood Hill Farm, CA: Lactose Free Strawberry Pomegranate Acai Kefir
2nd No Award Given
3rd No Award Given
QF: Limited to Crème Fraiche products – made from cow’s milk
1st Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery, VT: Crème Fraiche
2nd Mozzarella Company, TX: Creme Fraiche
3rd Alouette Cheese USA llc, PA: Alouette Crème Fraiche
3rd Bellwether Farms, CA: Crème Fraiche
QY: Yogurts – Plain with no additional ingredients – made from cow’s milk
1st Cabot Creamery Cooperative, VT: Cabot Greek Style Yogurt, Plain
2nd Straus Family Creamery, CA: Greek Yogurt
3rd Karoun Dairies Inc, CA: Karoun Yogurt
3rd Straus Family Creamery, CA: Greek Yogurt, Nonfat
QD: Yogurts – Plain with no additional ingredients – made from goat’s milk
1st Montchevré-Betin, Inc., WI: Montchevré Goat Milk Yogurt Plain
2nd Redwood Hill Farm, CA: Plain Yogurt
3rd Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, CA: Capretta Greek Yogurt
QE: Yogurts – Plain with no additional ingredients – made from sheep’s milk
1st Old Chatham Sheepherding Company, NY: Sheeps Milk Yogurt Plain
2nd Best Baa Dairy Ltd., ON: Best Baa Dairy Sheep Milk Yogourt Plain
3rd La Moutonnière Inc., QC: Royogourt
QQ: Yogurts – Flavor Added – includes sugar, syrup, honey, agave, sweeteners, vanilla, fruit, etc. – all milks
1st Three Happy Cows LLC, TX: Three Happy Cows Honey Greek Yogurt
2nd Redwood Hill Farm, CA: Peach Yogurt
3rd Three Happy Cows LLC, TX: Three Happy Cows Blueberry Drinkable Yogurt
3rd Three Happy Cows LLC, TX: Three Happy Cows Strawberry Drinkable Yogurt
R. BUTTERS
RC: Salted Butter with or without cultures – made from cow’s milk
1st Cabot Creamery Cooperative, MA: Cabot Old Fashioned Solids
2nd CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley, WI: Organic Pasture (Salted & Cultured) Butter
2nd CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley, WI: Organic Salted Butter
3rd Parmalat Canada, ON: Lactantia Salted Butter
3rd Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery, VT: Cultured Butter Lightly Salted
RO: Unsalted Butter with or without cultures – made from cow’s milk
1st Cabot Creamery Cooperative, MA: Cabot Unsalted Butter
2nd Tillamook County Creamery Association, OR: Tillamook Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter
2nd Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery, VT: Cultured Butter Unsalted
3rd CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley, WI: Organic European Style (Cultured) Butter
RM: Butter with or without cultures – made from goat’s, sheep’s or mixed milks
1st Nordic Creamery, WI: Goat Butter
2nd No Award Given
3rd La Moutonnière Inc., QC: Ewe’s Butter
3rd Mt. Sterling Cheese Co-op, WI: Salted Whey Cream Butter
RF: Flavor Added – spices, herbs, seasonings, fruits – all milks
1st Formaggio Italian Cheese, NY: Betta Butter Honey Walnut
2nd Nordic Creamery, WI: Maple Syrup Butter
3rd Formaggio Italian Cheese, NY: Betta Butter Chocolate Chip & Coconut
3rd Gold Creek Farms, UT: Truffle Butter
3rd Shatto Milk Company, MO: Garlic Butter
S. CHEESE SPREADS
SC: Open Category Cold Pack Style – all milks
1st Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., WI: Sharp Cheddar Spread
2nd Lactalis U.S.A., Inc., WI: Rondele Feta Spreadable Cheese
2nd Scott’s of Wisconsin, WI: Sharp Cheddar Cold Pack Cheese Food
3rd Pine River Pre-Pack, Inc, WI: Aged Asiago Cold Pack Cheese Food
SF: Cold pack cheese food and cheese spreads – Flavor Added – spices, herbs, seasonings, fruits – maximum moisture 44% – all milks
1st Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., WI: Horseradish Spread
2nd Pine River Pre-Pack, Inc, WI: Swiss & Almond Cold Pack Cheese Food
3rd Family Fresh Pack, WI: Sugar Brook Capital Amber Cold Pack
SA: Open Category Spreads with Flavors using a base with moisture higher than 44% – all milks
1st Rising Sun Farms, OR: Curry Cheese Torta
2nd Rising Sun Farms, OR: Mediterranean Cheese Torta
3rd Emmi Roth USA, WI: Serafina Garlic & Herb Spread
3rd Mozzarella Company, TX: Pecan Praline Mascarpone
T. AGED SHEEP’S MILK CHEESES
TO: Open Category
1st Grafton Village Cheese, VT: Bismark
2nd Finica Food Specialties, ON: Sheep Cheese
3rd Fromagerie Nouvelle France, QC: Zacharie Cloutier
U. AGED GOAT’S MILK CHEESES
UG: Open Category
1st Baetje Farms LLC, MO: Bloomsdale
2nd Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., WI: Cave Aged Cardona
3rd Sartori Company, WI: Sartori Limited Edition Extra Aged Goat
V. WASHED RIND CHEESES
VC: Open Category – made from cow’s milk
1st La Fromagerie 1860 DuVillage inc., QC: La Tentation de Laurier
2nd Agropur Fine Cheese, QC: OKA Raclette
2nd Cowgirl Creamery, CA: Red Hawk
3rd Agropur Fine Cheese, QC: Champfleury
VG: Open Category – made from goat’s milk
1st FireFly Farms, MD: Cabra La Mancha
2nd Consider Bardwell Farm, VT: Manchester
3rd Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy, CO: Haystack Mountain Red Cloud
VS: Open Category – made from sheep’s milk or mixed milks
1st Fromagerie Le Détour, QC: Le Clandestin
2nd Hidden Springs Creamery, WI: Meadow Melody Reserve
3rd Grafton Village Cheese, VT: Bear Hill
VA: Cheeses aged more than 90 days with up to 44% moisture – all milks
1st Uplands Cheese, WI: Pleasant Ridge Reserve
2nd Consider Bardwell Farm, VT: Rupert
3rd Emmi Roth USA, WI: Raclette