We’re beyond excited to share some fantastic news with our cheese-loving community! Our shop proudly features several cheeses that recently shined at the American Cheese Society annual competition. This event brought together the finest cheesemakers from across the country, and we couldn’t be prouder of the award winners we carry.
Let’s dive into the details of these exceptional cheeses, what makes them winners, and some delightful pairing and recipe ideas to savor them at home.
Beehive Cheese Company – Barely Buzzed (3rd Place)
Barely Buzzed by Beehive Cheese Company wowed the judges with its unique flavor, earning 3rd place. This unique cheese is rubbed with espresso and lavender, creating a delightful taste experience with subtle notes of butterscotch and caramel.
Perfect Pairing:
Enjoy with a lighter-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon like our new Cros de Calades Gavel from the Rhone Valley. This pairing enhances the cheese’s unique flavors.
Capriole – Mont St. Francis (2nd Place)
Capriole’s Mont St. Francis took 2nd place with its robust and earthy flavors, thanks to its washed-rind process. This semi-firm goat's milk cheese is known for its intense, beefy, and earthy flavors with a touch of malty sweetness from being washed in local stout beer.
Perfect Pairing:
Serve with Apple Cider jelly by Woods Cider Mill, Vermont, and mini toasts. It’s a match made in cheese heaven!
Cellars at Jasper Hill – Moses Sleeper (2nd Place) & Harbison (3rd Place)
From the Cellars at Jasper Hill, we have Moses Sleeper, which secured 2nd place, and Harbison (mini version), winning 3rd place. Moses Sleeper is a brie-style cheese with a gooey center and rich, creamy flavor, while Harbison is wrapped in spruce bark, offering a spoonable, woodsy experience.
Perfect Pairings:
Moses Sleeper: Pair with Sheena's Pickled Green Beans (local), Smoking Goose Rabbit Terrine, and an ice-cold Meanwhile Pilsner.
Harbison: Enjoy with baked homemade or frozen french fries sprinkled with fresh rosemary, and dip them in Harbison alongside a glass of our new Vita Vivet Cava.
Cypress Grove – Humboldt Fog (3rd Place)
Humboldt Fog from Cypress Grove, with its creamy texture and tangy flavor, took 3rd place. This iconic goat cheese features a line of edible vegetable ash, giving it a distinctive look and flavor.
Perfect Pairing:
Try a grown-up fruit salad for brunch with prosciutto, Marcona almonds, and crumbled Humboldt Fog alongside a glass of Flora and Fauna Rosé by Idlewild.
Haro Cheese Company – Eldo (1st Place)
Eldo from Haro Cheese Company won 1st place, showcasing its exceptional quality and taste. This hard cheese is made from sheep’s milk, offering a rich, nutty flavor with hints of caramel.
Perfect Pairing:
Our all-time favorite pairing with Eldo is Brushfire Prickly Pear pequin jam (San Antonio) on a baguette. Two local Texas superstars.
Pure Luck Dairy – Feta (1st Place) & Basket Chevre (2nd Place)
Pure Luck Dairy’s Feta took 1st place, while their Basket Chevre secured 2nd place. Both cheeses are a celebration of artisanal craftsmanship, with the Feta being crumbly and tangy, and the Basket Chevre offering a creamy and mild taste.
Perfect Pairings:
Feta: Make this showstopper of a salad that is incredibly easy! Watermelon, cucumbers, feta, fresh mint, and basil with a citrus honey dressing.
Chevre: Grilled Salmon and Asparagus topped with a creamy Chevre sauce alongside a glass of dry Riesling from Stirm Vineyards.
Uplands Cheese – Pleasant Ridge Reserve (1st Place in Two Categories)
The remarkable Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Uplands Cheese won 1st place in two categories, highlighting its superior taste and quality. This raw cow’s milk cheese is aged to perfection, offering complex flavors of grass, fruit, and nuts.
Perfect Pairing:
There are so many things you can do with this cheese! It’s delicious grated onto soups, gratins, omelets, or grilled cheese alongside a glass of Cabernet Franc from De Otro Planeta.
Vermont Creamery – Creme Fraiche (3rd Place) & Bonne Bouche (2nd Place)
Vermont Creamery’s Creme Fraiche earned 3rd place, while Bonne Bouche secured 2nd place, both celebrated for their exceptional quality. Creme Fraiche is smooth and tangy, perfect for various dishes, while Bonne Bouche is an ash-ripened goat cheese with a creamy interior and a wrinkled rind.
Perfect Pairings:
Creme Fraiche: Mix into scrambled eggs or frittatas. Mix with maple syrup and top waffles and pancakes. Make a pitcher of Strawberry Limeade Mimosas with our Raventos Cava.
Bonne Bouche: Try this on a pizza with caramelized onions, honeyed pears, arugula, and Jamon Serrano.
Come by our shop to try these award-winning cheeses and celebrate the craftsmanship and dedication of these amazing cheesemakers. Each cheese is a testament to the art of cheesemaking, and we’re thrilled to share them with you. Happy tasting!
