MONTPELIER — A new record was set for Vermont cheeses at the prestigious American Cheese Society’s 36th Annual Awards competition (ACS) in Richmond, Va., early this month. Vermont producers, big and small, collectively took home 44 ribbons, marking Vermont’s best showing to date. Additionally, five Vermont cheeses were finalists for the Best of Show.
A Bridport cheesemaker was among those earning distinction in the competition. Fairy Tale Farm of Bridport earned 2nd place for its Nuberu cheese.
The cheesemakers described Nuberu as “a Spanish-style, 100 percent raw sheep or mixed-milk cheese, made in two formats, small basket and 2 kilo reserve. It is aged two to eight months.”
“Congratulations to Vermont’s cheesemakers for this impressive achievement,” said Gov. Phil Scott. “Cheesemakers’ commitment to excellence is helping Vermont grow its economy by creating jobs and further strengthening our great Vermont brand. We appreciate your work every day and now the national stage has experienced it too. Well done.”
There were more than 2,000 entries at the 2019 ACS with 25 Vermont companies submitting cheeses to be judged. This annual competition is supported by the Vermont Cheese Council, which provides technical assistance and marketing support for Vermont’s cheesemakers.
“These awards reinforce Vermont’s commitment to quality, which starts with the farmer, on the farm, and is carried right through until the cheese is served, “said Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts. “Many thanks to the cheesemakers and the Vermont Cheese Council for their hard work helping Vermont’s economy grow by continuing to reinforce and grow the quality of Vermont products.”