Bob Reese

Vermont Creamery was once again recognized for excellence in cheesemaking last week, taking home nine World Cheese Awards at the annual competition held in St. Sebastian, Spain.

Vermont cheesemakers took home 46 of the 355 ribbons awarded at the 2015 American Cheese Society Competition, including 13 for first place. Vermont Creamery, Jasper Hill and Farms for City Kids took home a combined 8 first place ribbons, with Vermont Shepherd, Cabot Creamery, and Sweet Rowan Farmstead each earning a first place win. Overall, 22 different Vermont cheesemakers placed at the annual competition, known as 'Oscar Night' for the American cheese industry.

Early signs of spring this year include a gold medal win for Vermont Creamery's summer inspired Apricot & Thyme Goat Cheese Crumbles, which took 'Best of Class' at the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest in Wisconsin this week. Introduced just over a year ago, the crumbled goat cheese combines Vermont Creamery's fresh chèvre with seasonally inspired dried fruit and herbs for an easy, flavorful addition to summer salads. The Creamery's classic fresh and spreadable goat cheese also placed in the top three for their class.