Hey cheese lovers! Ready to dive into the creamy, crumbly, and sometimes stinky world of the World Cheese Awards 2021? This year's competition was a massive celebration of cheese, bringing together cheesemakers, retailers, buyers, and food writers from all over the globe. Think of it as the Olympics of cheese, where the best of the best compete for the coveted title of World Champion Cheese. This article will be your ultimate guide to the World Cheese Awards 2021, exploring the winners, the judging process, and the overall impact of this prestigious event. So, grab your favorite cheese (and maybe a glass of wine), and let's get started!

The World Cheese Awards, organized by the Guild of Fine Food, is the world's largest cheese-only competition. Held annually, it's a monumental event that showcases the incredible diversity and craftsmanship within the cheese industry. This year, the competition was held in Oviedo, Spain, where a panel of expert judges tasted and evaluated thousands of cheeses from around the world. The awards are not just a competition; they're a platform for cheesemakers to gain recognition, boost sales, and connect with industry professionals. For consumers, the awards serve as a reliable guide to discovering exceptional cheeses and supporting quality producers. The World Cheese Awards is more than just a competition; it's a testament to the dedication, passion, and skill of cheesemakers worldwide. It’s a chance for these artisans to shine, get their cheeses tasted by the best palates in the business, and celebrate the fruits (or rather, the cheeses!) of their labor. The event also provides a unique opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of cheese culture. It's a place where tradition meets innovation, and where the love of cheese brings people together. This isn’t just about taste; it’s about the story behind each cheese, the dedication of the cheesemaker, and the unique flavors that define different regions and cultures. It's an opportunity to discover new favorites, learn about different cheese-making techniques, and appreciate the artistry involved in creating these culinary masterpieces. So, whether you're a seasoned cheese aficionado or a curious beginner, the World Cheese Awards has something for everyone.

The Judging Process: Behind the Scenes

Alright, let's peek behind the curtain and see how these cheeses are judged. The process is pretty rigorous, guys! A panel of over 250 judges – including cheesemakers, retailers, buyers, and food writers – from around the world evaluate the cheeses. These judges are true experts, with a deep understanding of cheese and the ability to discern subtle nuances in flavor, texture, and appearance. Each cheese is judged on a variety of criteria, including its aroma, appearance, texture, flavor, and overall quality. The judges work in teams, assessing the cheeses blindly to ensure impartiality. This means they don't know the producer or origin of the cheese, allowing them to focus solely on the cheese itself. The judging process involves several rounds, with cheeses advancing based on their scores. In the first round, cheeses are grouped by type, and each team of judges tastes and scores the cheeses. Those that receive the highest scores move on to the next round. The judging process is not just about identifying the best cheeses; it’s also about providing valuable feedback to cheesemakers. Judges often offer comments and suggestions, helping producers improve their products. The ultimate goal is to celebrate excellence and elevate the standards of the cheese industry. The blind tasting method is essential in ensuring fairness. It allows judges to evaluate the cheeses based on their inherent qualities, without any preconceived notions or biases. This meticulous process guarantees that only the very best cheeses make it to the top. The judges take their responsibilities seriously, dedicating their time and expertise to selecting the finest cheeses in the world.

The judges consider aroma, appearance, texture, and flavor. They're looking for cheeses that have a perfect balance of flavors, a pleasant texture, and an appealing appearance. Each aspect contributes to the overall quality of the cheese. The judges also assess the cheesemaking process and whether it has been executed to perfection. They want to ensure that the cheese reflects the craftsmanship and skill of the producer. The competition is incredibly intense, and only the best cheeses make it to the final round. Those that receive the highest scores are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals. The best of the gold medal winners compete for the ultimate title: World Champion Cheese. This is a testament to their exceptional quality and the dedication of the cheesemakers who created them.

The Role of Judges and Criteria

The judges are the heart of the World Cheese Awards. They come from diverse backgrounds and possess a wealth of knowledge about cheese. Their expertise is crucial in evaluating the thousands of entries each year. They have to assess the cheeses based on different criteria like appearance, texture, aroma, and taste. The judges use their extensive knowledge and experience to provide valuable feedback to the cheesemakers. They also help to promote the cheese industry by identifying and celebrating the best cheeses in the world. The judges are often the first to taste new and innovative cheeses, setting trends in the industry. The judges’ dedication and expertise are essential to the success of the World Cheese Awards.

The criteria used to evaluate the cheeses are comprehensive, including the appearance, texture, aroma, and taste. The judges evaluate these factors to ensure the cheeses meet high standards. They also consider the cheesemaking process, including the quality of ingredients, the techniques used, and the overall craftsmanship. The judging process is designed to be rigorous, ensuring that only the best cheeses are recognized. The cheeses are assessed in blind tastings, removing any bias from the evaluation. The cheeses are categorized based on their type, origin, and style, ensuring a fair evaluation. The judges look for cheeses that have a balance of flavors, an appealing texture, and an attractive appearance. The cheeses are assessed on a points system, with the highest scores awarded to the best cheeses. This ensures that only the best cheeses are recognized, providing consumers with a reliable guide to quality.

The Winners: Celebrating the Champions

Drumroll, please! The World Cheese Awards 2021 saw a number of outstanding cheeses take home the top honors. The coveted title of World Champion Cheese went to Olavidia, a goat's milk cheese from Spain. It's a soft, creamy cheese with a bloomy rind. The cheese is made by Quesos y Besos, a small artisan cheesemaker. Olavidia beat out thousands of other entries to claim the top spot, a true testament to its exceptional quality and the skill of its makers. But it wasn't just Olavidia that shone. The awards also recognized a wide range of cheeses from different countries and styles. Gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded in various categories, highlighting the diversity and excellence of the global cheese industry. From aged cheddars to fresh mozzarella, there was something for every cheese lover to celebrate. The winners represent a snapshot of the current trends in the cheese world, showcasing innovation, traditional craftsmanship, and the passion of cheesemakers. The awards are an excellent way to discover new cheeses and support the talented individuals and businesses that make them. It’s a great way to discover new favorites and expand your cheese horizons. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the hard work, creativity, and dedication of the cheesemakers who have poured their hearts into creating exceptional products.

Other notable winners included cheeses from the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and the United States. These cheeses, each with its unique characteristics, flavor profiles, and production methods, represent the variety within the global cheese market. The diversity of the winners reflects the global nature of the competition, with entries from around the world. These cheeses were celebrated for their unique flavors, textures, and aromas. The recognition of these cheeses highlights the importance of innovation and craftsmanship in the cheese industry. The awards ceremony is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the cheesemakers. Their hard work and dedication is the driving force behind the cheese industry. This event is a great opportunity to explore the global cheese scene.

Champion Cheese Breakdown

The World Champion Cheese, Olavidia, is a testament to the skill and dedication of the cheesemakers at Quesos y Besos. This cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and has a unique, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The cheese is aged for about 60 days, during which time it develops a delicate, bloomy rind. The rind adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the cheese's creamy interior. The cheese has a complex flavor profile, with notes of fresh goat's milk, nuts, and a hint of citrus. The cheesemakers use traditional methods and the highest quality ingredients to create this award-winning cheese. The cheesemaking process is a labor of love, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a passion for creating exceptional cheese. The cheese is made using the milk from their own goats. They are dedicated to sustainability and the welfare of their animals. This ensures the highest quality milk for their cheese. The cheese’s winning status has brought international recognition to both the cheesemaker and the region where it is produced. It is a symbol of excellence in the cheese world.

The cheese's success is not just a win for the cheesemakers, but also a victory for the region where it is produced. It has brought international recognition to the area and boosted its reputation as a center for cheese production. The story behind Olavidia is a reflection of the dedication and passion that drives the cheese industry. The recognition received by the cheese has also increased its popularity, and cheese lovers around the world are now seeking out this extraordinary cheese. This further demonstrates the impact and importance of the World Cheese Awards. It not only celebrates excellence but also helps to promote and support the cheese industry as a whole.

The Impact of the World Cheese Awards

The World Cheese Awards have a significant impact on the cheese industry, influencing consumer preferences, driving innovation, and providing recognition to cheesemakers. For cheesemakers, winning an award can lead to increased sales, expanded market opportunities, and greater recognition within the industry. The awards also serve as a valuable tool for producers to benchmark their products against the best in the world and identify areas for improvement. This can spur innovation and help to raise the overall quality of cheese. The awards influence consumer choices by highlighting exceptional cheeses and providing a guide for quality. The awards help consumers discover new and exciting cheeses, expand their palates, and make informed purchasing decisions. For retailers, the awards offer a reliable source of information for selecting and promoting high-quality cheeses. The awards provide a platform for networking and knowledge sharing, bringing together cheesemakers, retailers, buyers, and food writers from around the globe. This exchange of ideas and information helps to advance the cheese industry as a whole. The awards also help to promote the cultural and economic importance of cheese. It brings together people from different backgrounds.

The awards also promote the importance of artisan cheese production. This support helps to preserve traditional cheesemaking techniques and to support local economies. The awards encourage sustainable practices and ethical sourcing within the cheese industry. They emphasize the importance of animal welfare and environmentally friendly production methods. The awards also help to educate consumers about the health benefits of cheese and its role in a balanced diet. It's a celebration of the artistry and expertise of cheesemakers. It showcases the diversity and quality of cheeses from around the world. It provides a platform for promoting and supporting the cheese industry.

Conclusion

So there you have it, cheese lovers! The World Cheese Awards 2021 was a roaring success, celebrating the best cheeses the world has to offer. From the champion Olavidia to the many other award-winning cheeses, the competition highlighted the passion, skill, and innovation of cheesemakers around the globe. The awards not only recognize excellence but also contribute to the growth and development of the cheese industry. So next time you're at the cheese counter, look for these award-winning cheeses and treat yourself to a taste of the best the world has to offer. These awards are a true testament to the dedication, passion, and skill of cheesemakers everywhere. Go out there and explore the world of cheese!

I hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the World Cheese Awards 2021. Until next time, keep on cheesin'! If you want to learn more, visit the Guild of Fine Food website for a complete list of winners and more information about the competition. Stay tuned for future editions of the World Cheese Awards, which continue to showcase the incredible diversity and excellence within the cheese industry. The awards are not only a competition but also a celebration of the global cheese culture.