The World Cheese Awards are a big deal, guys. Seriously. It's like the Olympics, but for cheese! Every year, cheesemakers from all over the globe send in their best creations to be judged by a panel of experts. And in 2021, the competition was fiercer than ever. So, who took home the coveted title of World Champion Cheese? Let's dive into the delicious details of the World Cheese Awards 2021 results.

A Deep Dive into the World Cheese Awards

Before we get to the winners, let's understand what makes the World Cheese Awards so important. Established in 1988, this annual event brings together cheesemakers, retailers, buyers, consumers, and food commentators from around the world to celebrate the art of cheesemaking. Imagine a room filled with thousands of cheeses – hard, soft, blue, fresh – each vying for the judges' attention. It's a cheese lover's dream (or maybe a slightly overwhelming sensory experience!).

The judging process is intense. Teams of experts – from cheesemongers to food scientists – evaluate each cheese based on various factors, including appearance, aroma, texture, and, of course, taste. They're looking for perfection in every bite, seeking out cheeses that showcase the skill and passion of their makers. The awards aren't just about recognizing the best cheeses; they're about promoting quality and innovation in the cheese industry. They help smaller, artisan producers gain recognition and reach a wider audience. For consumers, the awards serve as a guide to finding exceptional cheeses from around the world.

The Judging Criteria: What Makes a Champion Cheese?

Ever wondered what qualities make a cheese stand out from the crowd at the World Cheese Awards? It's not just about how good it tastes (though that's pretty important!). The judges consider a whole range of factors. First, appearance matters. Is the cheese visually appealing? Does it have a consistent color and texture? Then comes the aroma. Does it have a pleasant and characteristic smell? A complex aroma can be a sign of skillful cheesemaking and careful aging. Next up is texture. Is the cheese smooth and creamy, or firm and crumbly? The texture should be appropriate for the type of cheese.

And finally, the most important factor: taste. The flavor should be well-balanced and harmonious, with no off-flavors or bitterness. The judges are looking for cheeses that are complex and interesting, with a long and satisfying finish. But it's not just about the objective qualities of the cheese. The judges also consider the cheesemaker's skill and artistry. They want to see evidence of careful craftsmanship and a passion for producing high-quality cheese. A champion cheese is one that excels in all these areas, showcasing the very best of the cheesemaking world. The World Cheese Awards really set the standard of quality in the cheese world, so when a cheese wins, you know it is something special.

World Cheese Awards 2021: The Top Cheeses

Alright, guys, let's get to the good stuff! In 2021, the World Cheese Awards took place in Oviedo, Spain, and the competition was intense. Over 4,000 cheeses from more than 40 countries were entered, making it one of the largest and most diverse cheese competitions in the world. The judges had their work cut out for them, but after hours of tasting and deliberation, they finally selected the winners.

The Supreme Champion: Olavidía

The Supreme Champion of the World Cheese Awards 2021 was Olavidía, a soft goat's cheese from Quesos y Besos in Jaén, Spain. This cheese is truly something special. It is made with pasteurized goat's milk and has a distinctive black line running through the middle, which is made from olive stone ash. This gives the cheese a unique flavor and appearance. The judges were impressed by its creamy texture, delicate flavor, and subtle hints of goat's milk. They praised its balance and complexity, calling it a truly exceptional cheese.

Quesos y Besos is a small, family-run cheesemaker, and their win was a major upset. They beat out some of the biggest names in the cheese industry to take home the top prize. This just goes to show that passion and skill can triumph over size and resources. Their dedication to quality and their innovative approach to cheesemaking have earned them well-deserved recognition on the world stage. Olavidía’s victory is a testament to the artistry and passion that goes into creating truly exceptional cheese. It’s a win for small producers everywhere, proving that even the smallest cheesemaker can achieve greatness.

Super Gold Winners: A League of Extraordinary Cheeses

While Olavidía took home the top prize, there were many other outstanding cheeses recognized at the World Cheese Awards 2021. Here are a few of the Super Gold winners, each representing the pinnacle of cheesemaking in their respective categories:

• ** ইসতিয়াজ বিশেষ পনির (Istiaz Special Paneer) – India:** This fresh cheese from India stood out for its creamy texture and delicate flavor. It's a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet.
• Gallstone – Czech Republic: A hard cheese with a complex flavor profile, Gallstone impressed the judges with its nutty notes and long, satisfying finish.
• Miss Muffet – United Kingdom: This soft cheese from the UK is made with Jersey cow's milk and has a rich, creamy texture. It's a decadent and indulgent cheese that's perfect for special occasions.
• Amiata – Italy: This sheep's milk cheese from Italy is aged in chestnut leaves, which gives it a unique flavor and aroma. It's a complex and intriguing cheese that's sure to impress.
• Double Cream – South Africa: This rich and creamy cheese from South Africa delivers on all fronts, the judges noted its texture and balanced flavour profile

These are just a few of the many outstanding cheeses that were recognized at the World Cheese Awards 2021. The winners represent a diverse range of styles and flavors, showcasing the incredible variety and artistry of the cheesemaking world. These cheeses exemplify the pinnacle of cheese craftsmanship. They are the gold standard.

How the World Cheese Awards Impact the Industry

The World Cheese Awards aren't just a fun competition; they have a real impact on the cheese industry. Winning an award can significantly boost a cheesemaker's reputation and sales. It provides recognition for their hard work and dedication, and it helps them reach a wider audience. The awards also promote innovation and quality in the cheese industry. Cheesemakers are constantly striving to improve their products and create new and exciting cheeses, and the World Cheese Awards provide a platform for them to showcase their creations.

For consumers, the World Cheese Awards serve as a valuable guide to finding exceptional cheeses from around the world. When you see a cheese with a World Cheese Awards sticker, you know you're getting a high-quality product. It's a sign that the cheese has been judged by experts and has met the highest standards of excellence. The awards can also help you discover new and exciting cheeses that you might not otherwise have tried. Exploring the winners list is a great way to expand your cheese horizons and find new favorites.

Discovering New Cheeses and Supporting Artisans

The World Cheese Awards are a fantastic resource for discovering new and exciting cheeses. The winners list is a treasure trove of deliciousness, featuring cheeses from all over the world. Whether you're a seasoned cheese connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of cheese, the awards can help you find new favorites. Trying cheeses that have won awards is a great way to experience the best that the cheese world has to offer. Furthermore, by purchasing cheeses from award-winning cheesemakers, you're supporting artisans and small businesses that are passionate about their craft. You're helping to preserve traditional cheesemaking techniques and promote quality and innovation in the industry. It's a win-win situation: you get to enjoy delicious cheese, and you're supporting a worthy cause.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Cheese

The World Cheese Awards 2021 were a resounding success, showcasing the incredible diversity and artistry of the cheesemaking world. From the Supreme Champion, Olavidía, to the many other Super Gold winners, the awards celebrated the passion, skill, and dedication of cheesemakers from around the globe. Whether you're a cheese lover or just curious about the world of cheese, the World Cheese Awards are a great way to learn more about this delicious and fascinating food. So, next time you're at the cheese counter, be sure to look for the World Cheese Awards sticker – it's a sign that you're in for a treat!

The World Cheese Awards truly highlight the best of the best and provide consumers with a roadmap to exploring new flavors and supporting passionate cheesemakers. It's more than just a competition; it's a celebration of cheese in all its glorious forms. So go forth, explore, and indulge in the wonderful world of cheese!