Hey cheese lovers, gather 'round! The World Cheese Awards 2021 were a seriously big deal, showcasing the absolute best from around the globe. We're talking about thousands of cheeses, judged by a panel of super-talented experts. It's like the Olympics, but for cheese! If you're keen to know which cheesy delights took home the gold (or silver, or bronze!), then you've come to the right place. We're diving deep into the World Cheese Awards 2021 results, breaking down the champions and giving you the lowdown on some of the standout stars. Get ready to update your cheese board wish list, because there were some truly epic winners this year!

The Cream of the Crop: Super Gold Winners at World Cheese Awards 2021

When we talk about the absolute pinnacle of cheese excellence, we're talking about the Super Gold winners at the World Cheese Awards 2021. These are the cheeses that blew the judges away, earning a perfect score and standing out from an already incredible selection. Achieving Super Gold is no small feat, guys. It means the cheese possesses exceptional flavour, texture, aroma, and appearance – pretty much everything you want in a perfect bite. The competition was fierce, with entries from over 40 countries, making the World Cheese Awards 2021 results even more impressive for those who reached this elite status. We saw a fantastic array of cheeses making the cut, from creamy blues to sharp cheddars and delicate goat cheeses. Each Super Gold winner represents the dedication, passion, and skill of the cheesemakers who crafted them. It's a testament to traditional methods combined with innovative approaches. These are the cheeses that set the bar, inspiring other cheesemakers and giving us all something truly special to aspire to taste. Forget your average supermarket block; these are the cheeses that redefine what's possible, showcasing the incredible diversity and depth of the cheese-making world. Seriously, if you ever get the chance to try one of these Super Golds, grab it! You won't regret experiencing a cheese that has been deemed among the very best on the planet.

The Star of the Show: World Champion Cheese 2021

And the biggest award of them all at the World Cheese Awards 2021? The World Champion Cheese! This is the ultimate accolade, the prize every cheesemaker dreams of winning. It's awarded to the single highest-scoring cheese from all the Super Gold winners. Imagine the tension, the anticipation as the judges deliberated over the crème de la crème. This year, the prestigious title of World Champion Cheese went to Gorwydd Caerphilly, crafted by Peter and Monica Hum from the UK. This is a phenomenal achievement for a traditional Welsh cheese, proving that time-honoured techniques can still conquer the modern world of cheese. Gorwydd Caerphilly is renowned for its creamy texture and earthy, mushroomy notes, developing a wonderful depth of flavour as it matures. Winning the World Champion title means this particular cheese has been recognized as the best of the best from thousands of entries across the globe. The World Cheese Awards 2021 results celebrated this historic win, highlighting the resurgence and appreciation for traditional British cheeses. Peter and Monica Hum have poured their hearts and souls into their cheese, and this award is a massive testament to their hard work and dedication. It's an inspiring story for any artisan producer, showing that quality, tradition, and passion truly pay off. This recognition not only puts Gorwydd Caerphilly on the map but also shines a spotlight on the wider world of artisan cheese-making, encouraging us all to explore and appreciate the incredible variety available. It's a win for tradition, a win for Wales, and a huge win for cheese lovers everywhere!

Gold Medal Winners: Standing Out from the Pack

Beyond the Super Golds and the ultimate World Champion, the World Cheese Awards 2021 saw an incredible number of Gold medal winners. These cheeses are absolute superstars in their own right, showcasing exceptional quality and flavour. Think of them as the elite athletes of the cheese world, just a step below the very top tier, but still incredibly impressive. Securing a Gold medal means a cheese has achieved a remarkably high score from the judges, indicating outstanding taste, texture, and overall craftsmanship. The World Cheese Awards 2021 results highlight the sheer diversity of cheese styles that can achieve this level of excellence. We saw Gold medals awarded to everything from hard, aged cheddars that offered a sharp, nutty punch, to soft, bloomy rinded cheeses with a luscious, buttery interior. Blues, washed rinds, goat cheeses, sheep cheeses, cow's milk cheeses – the list goes on! This breadth of winners is what makes the World Cheese Awards so exciting; it celebrates the entire spectrum of cheese. Each Gold medal winner is a testament to the skill and dedication of the cheesemakers. They've managed to create a product that not only tastes amazing but also represents its style perfectly. For us cheese enthusiasts, these Gold medal winners are like a treasure map to finding your next favourite cheese. If a cheese has been recognized with a Gold medal at this prestigious competition, you know you're in for a treat. It’s a stamp of approval from some of the most discerning palates in the industry, ensuring a quality experience. So, keep an eye out for these Goudas (pun intended!) – they are guaranteed to impress and elevate any cheese board or meal.

Notable Gold Winners You Need to Know

While every Gold winner is fantastic, some World Cheese Awards 2021 results really caught our eye. Let's give a special shout-out to a few that exemplify the brilliance seen at the awards. Rollright cheese from King's Caple Farm in the UK, a beautiful washed-rind cheese, scooped up a Gold. Its distinctive orange rind and creamy, pungent interior are a real treat for adventurous palates. Then there's Colston Bassett Stilton from the UK, a classic blue cheese that consistently impresses. Its rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced spicy tang earned it a Gold, proving that traditional British blues are still world-class. We also saw Kaltbach Le Gruyère AOP from Switzerland shine, a Gold medal winner that represents the pinnacle of Swiss cheese-making. Known for its nutty, complex flavour and firm texture, it's a versatile cheese that's perfect for snacking or cooking. And let's not forget Baron Bigod, another British bloomy-rind cheese that has been making waves. Its rich, decadent flavour and wonderfully oozy texture under its bloomy rind earned it a well-deserved Gold. These are just a handful of examples, but they showcase the incredible variety and high standards present in the World Cheese Awards 2021 results. Each of these cheeses offers a unique sensory experience, and their Gold medal status is a solid indicator of their exceptional quality. They are definitely worth seeking out if you want to taste some of the best cheeses the world has to offer.

Silver and Bronze: Still Deliciously Worthy

Now, don't get it twisted, guys. Even if a cheese didn't snag a Gold or a Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards 2021, it doesn't mean it's not absolutely delicious. The Silver and Bronze medal winners represent cheeses that were still highly commended by the judges. These are the cheeses that were almost there, showing fantastic quality and flavour but just narrowly missed out on the top spots. Think of it this way: even a Bronze medal at the World Cheese Awards is a massive achievement, considering the sheer volume and calibre of entries. These awards are incredibly competitive, and any medal is a badge of honour. The World Cheese Awards 2021 results for Silver and Bronze are filled with amazing cheeses that are still a step above the average. They offer incredible value and taste, making them perfect for everyday enjoyment or for impressing guests without breaking the bank. Many of these cheeses might be more accessible to find in your local shops, so they represent a fantastic opportunity to discover new favourites. Silver medals are awarded for cheeses that demonstrated excellent quality and distinct character, while Bronze recognizes cheeses that were very good and well-made. Both levels indicate a cheese that has passed rigorous judging criteria and is definitely worth trying. So, next time you're browsing the cheese counter, don't shy away from a Silver or Bronze winner. They are a testament to the hard work of cheesemakers and a promise of a truly satisfying cheese experience. They might just become your new go-to cheese!

Finding Your Next Favourite Cheese Among the Awardees

So, how do you actually use the World Cheese Awards 2021 results to find your next favourite cheese? It's all about understanding what you like and then looking at the winners list. Are you a fan of strong, pungent blues? Then hunt down those Gold and Super Gold winners that fit that description. Do you prefer a milder, crumbly goat cheese? Check the results for those categories. The awards are broken down by cheese type, country, and colour, which makes it super easy to navigate. You can look for the specific styles you love and see which ones received recognition. For instance, if you're a cheddar enthusiast, check which cheddar producers were awarded medals. The World Cheese Awards 2021 results provide a fantastic starting point for exploration. Think of these awards as a curated list of high-quality cheeses, vetted by experts. It’s a way to cut through the noise and find something truly special. Don't be afraid to try something new based on an award. Sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone leads to the most delightful discoveries. Whether you're a seasoned cheese connoisseur or just dipping your toes into the wonderful world of cheese, the results from competitions like the World Cheese Awards are an invaluable resource. They offer a glimpse into the cutting edge of cheese production and highlight the incredible talent within the industry. Happy cheese hunting, everyone!

The Global Impact of World Cheese Awards 2021

The World Cheese Awards 2021 isn't just about crowning a few winners; it's about the global impact it has on the cheese industry. These awards bring together cheesemakers from all corners of the world, fostering a sense of community and healthy competition. For producers, winning an award, regardless of its level, can be transformative. It boosts reputation, opens up new markets, and validates years of hard work and dedication. The World Cheese Awards 2021 results shine a spotlight on the diversity of cheese-making traditions and innovations happening globally. It encourages consumers to explore beyond their usual choices and appreciate the craftsmanship involved. Think about it: a small farm in Italy might get international recognition for their Pecorino, or a new cheesemaker in Australia could be discovered for their unique blue cheese. This exposure is invaluable. It helps preserve traditional cheese-making methods while also encouraging new and exciting developments. The awards also serve as an educational platform, allowing experts to share knowledge and best practices. For cheese lovers, it's a chance to discover incredible products they might never have encountered otherwise. The buzz generated around the awards encourages people to seek out these award-winning cheeses, supporting artisan producers and promoting a richer, more diverse cheese culture worldwide. It’s a celebration of a truly global passion!

Conclusion: A Celebration of Cheese Excellence

In conclusion, the World Cheese Awards 2021 was an epic event celebrating the incredible world of cheese. From the crowning of Gorwydd Caerphilly as the World Champion to the numerous Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals awarded, the results showcased the immense talent and passion of cheesemakers globally. These World Cheese Awards 2021 results serve as an invaluable guide for anyone looking to discover exceptional cheeses. Whether you're a seasoned cheese aficionado or just starting your journey, seeking out these award-winning varieties is a surefire way to experience outstanding flavour and quality. It's a testament to the diversity and richness of cheese production worldwide. So, next time you're at the cheese shop or planning your next cheese board, remember these champions. They represent the best of the best, offering a delicious adventure for your taste buds. Cheers to cheese, and cheers to the incredible people who make it!