{"id":50255,"date":"2026-01-09T09:38:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T14:38:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/?p=50255"},"modified":"2026-01-14T14:22:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T19:22:06","slug":"best-cheeses-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/awards\/best-cheeses-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Cheeses of 2026: culture\u2019s Annual List"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong><strong>The ultimate list of cheeses that should stay on your radar all year long<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026Best-Cheeses_Cover-copy.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"855\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026Best-Cheeses_Cover-copy-855x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026Best-Cheeses_Cover-copy-855x1024.jpg 855w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026Best-Cheeses_Cover-copy-250x300.jpg 250w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026Best-Cheeses_Cover-copy-768x920.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026Best-Cheeses_Cover-copy-1282x1536.jpg 1282w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026Best-Cheeses_Cover-copy.jpg 1336w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 855px) 100vw, 855px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Welcome to our Best Cheeses issue\u2014a curated selection of our favorite cheeses around the globe. Featured competitions include the 2025 American Cheese Society Judging &amp; Competition (ACS), the 2025 Good Food Awards (GFA), the 2025 Great Taste Awards (GTA), the 2024 Mundial do Queijo do Brasil (MQB), the 2025 United States Championship Cheese Contest (USCCC), and the 2024\u20132025 World Cheese Awards (WCA). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this online edition, we\u2019ve added links for you find and try the featured cheeses, whether that means ordering directly from the maker or tracking them down through a trusted retailer. Whenever possible, we still recommend visiting <a href=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/where-to-buy-culture-locator\/\">your local cheese shop<\/a> in person to see if they carry these cheeses and to get guidance on how best to enjoy them. Enjoy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"#Cows-Milk\">Cow&#8217;s Milk Cheeses<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"#goats-milk\">Goat&#8217;s Milk Cheeses<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"#sheeps-milk\">Sheep&#8217;s Milk Cheeses<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"#Buffalo-Milk\">Buffalo Milk Cheeses<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"#best-mixed-milk-cheese\">Mixed-Milk Cheeses<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\" id=\"Cows-Milk\">Best Cow&#8217;s Milk Cheeses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Written by Madison Trapkin &amp; Pamela Vachon<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- ======================= BUTTERBLOOM ======================= --><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"677\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Butterbloom_PC-Christine-Hyatt-1024x677.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50293 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Butterbloom_PC-Christine-Hyatt-1024x677.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Butterbloom_PC-Christine-Hyatt-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Butterbloom_PC-Christine-Hyatt-768x508.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Butterbloom_PC-Christine-Hyatt-1536x1015.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Butterbloom_PC-Christine-Hyatt-scaled.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.briarrosecreamery.com\/butterbloom\"><strong>Butterbloom<\/strong><br><\/a>Briar Rose Creamery | <em>Dundee, Oregon<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">The line between some bloomy rind cheeses and butter is often a thin one, especially when the bloomy rind in question presses the issue in its own name. Made from the milk of a local Guernsey herd, which is known to have high levels of fat and Beta-carotene, Butterbloom is a sunny, custardy, \u201cbutter bomb,\u201d with notes of buttermilk, creamed corn, buttercream frosting, and an undercurrent of heady tropical fruit and earthy mushrooms. This ample 1-pound wheel has a generous paste-to-rind ratio; it\u2019s a va-va-voom oozy stunner that won First in its category at the 2025 ACS. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/igourmet.com\/products\/butterbloom-cheese-by-briar-rose-creamery?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"871\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Europa2-871x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50289 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Europa2-871x1024.jpg 871w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Europa2-255x300.jpg 255w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Europa2-768x903.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Europa2-1306x1536.jpg 1306w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Europa2-1741x2048.jpg 1360w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Europa2-scaled.jpg 1361w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 871px) 100vw, 871px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">&#8216;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.arethusafarm.com\/europa\"><strong>Europa<\/strong><br><\/a>Arethusa Farm Dairy | <em>Litchfield, Connecticut<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">This year, Arethusa Farm Dairy\u2019s Europa made history with its second consecutive US Champion crown at the 2025 USCCC. Crafted in the style of Dutch gouda, this domestic delicacy features a golden paste that\u2019s equal parts luscious butterscotch and nutty umami flavor. Europa starts with pasteurized cow\u2019s milk sourced from local Connecticut dairy farms. Once wheels are formed, they\u2019re aged for six to 12 months, which gives the cheese its signature depth of flavor and gorgeous golden hue. Its dense paste makes it easy to grate atop all sorts of dishes, but Europa is equally delicious when eaten as a simple snack. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bklynlarder.com\/products\/arethusa-farm-europa?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Barely-Buzzed_PC-Katie-Schall-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50290 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Barely-Buzzed_PC-Katie-Schall-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Barely-Buzzed_PC-Katie-Schall-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Barely-Buzzed_PC-Katie-Schall-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Barely-Buzzed_PC-Katie-Schall-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Barely-Buzzed_PC-Katie-Schall-scaled.jpg 1067w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beehivecheese.com\/products\/barely-buzzed\"><strong>Barely Buzzed<\/strong><br><\/a>Beehive Cheese Company | <em>Uintah, Utah<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">This zippy rubbed-rind cheese is no stranger to the award circuit; in 2025, it took First in its category at ACS. The base starts with pasteurized cow\u2019s milk from Jersey cows. Once the cheese is formed, it\u2019s rubbed with a combination of ground espresso and lavender, which enhances the bright nuttiness of the cheddar without overpowering it. While addictive on its own, Barely Buzzed is another flavored cheese that lends itself incredibly well to pairing. Robust sips like Cabernet Sauvignon and stout beer enhance the depth of flavor in the floral, coffee-forward rind, while bites of chocolate and toasted nuts bring out the cheddar\u2019s caramel notes. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/beehivecheese.com\/products\/barely-buzzed\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Shakerag-Blue-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50278 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Shakerag-Blue-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Shakerag-Blue-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Shakerag-Blue-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Shakerag-Blue-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Shakerag-Blue-scaled.jpg 1066w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sequatchiecovecheese.com\/shakerag\">Shakerag<\/a><\/strong><br>Sequatchie Cove Creamery | <em>Sequatchie, Tennessee<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">This Tennessee twist on French Roquefort took Second in its category at the 2025 ACS. Sequatchie Cove Creamery owners Padgett and Nathan Arnold describe this wheel as a labor of love that showcases the uniqueness of their southern home. Made with pasteurized cow\u2019s milk from a nearby dairy, the initial wheel is relatively mild before hitting the aging room where lots of time, cool temperatures, and a temporary wax rind help the flavors develop. However, the real magic of Shakerag comes from Chattanooga Whiskey-soaked fig leaves that are wrapped around the cheese once the wax is removed, imparting a bold, earthy flavor. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/murrays-cheese.pxf.io\/N95D42\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"840\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/vr_langres-840x630-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50371 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/vr_langres-840x630-1.jpg 840w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/vr_langres-840x630-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/vr_langres-840x630-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/vr_langres-840x630-1-500x375.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fromagerie-germain.com\/en\/our-cheeses\/le-langres-aop\/\"><strong>Langres AOP<\/strong><br><\/a>Laiterie Rians |<em> France<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Langres AOP was built to toast its own success\u2014a small-format cheese from France\u2019s Champagne region with a pronounced dimple that serves as an ersatz chalice for the local bubbly. Taking Gold at the 2024\u20132025 WCA, it certainly has reason to celebrate. Producer Laiterie Rians will also celebrate 125 years in business in 2026, starting from humble beginnings as cottage cheesemakers. Wrinkled and wildly orange with a purposefully uneven shape, Langres is nonetheless refined in its bold flavor: pungent and meaty with earth and spice. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/igourmet.com\/products\/langres-cheese-aop?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Pleasant-Ridge-Reserve-736x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50291 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Pleasant-Ridge-Reserve-736x1024.png 736w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Pleasant-Ridge-Reserve-216x300.png 216w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Pleasant-Ridge-Reserve-768x1068.png 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Pleasant-Ridge-Reserve-1105x1536.png 1105w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Pleasant-Ridge-Reserve-scaled.png 1151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/uplandscheese.com\/product\/pleasant-ridge-reserve\/\"><strong>Pleasant Ridge Reserve<\/strong><br><\/a>Uplands Cheese | <em>Dodgeville, Wisconsin<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">This Alpine-style cheese is made in the heart of America\u2019s Dairyland, where rolling hills create ideal grazing pastures for cows. Pleasant Ridge Reserve is only produced during the summer months when cows graze on fresh grasses. Raw milk is transformed into natural, washed-rind wheels that perfectly encapsulate seasonality, much like the alpage\u2014French for \u201cmountain pasture\u201d\u2014cheeses Beaufort and gruy\u00e8re. This cheese is complex and salty with a light fruity finish because of those summer grasses. Since its creation in 2000, Pleasant Ridge Reserve has become one of the most decorated American-made cheeses in existence, having taken home multiple awards at ACS, USCCC, and WCA. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/dibruno.com\/products\/pleasant-ridge-reserve-cheese?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Marieke-Gouda-Reserve-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50295 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mariekegouda.com\/gouda\"><strong>Marieke Gouda Reserve<\/strong><br><\/a>Marieke Gouda | <em>Thorp, Wisconsin<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">No stranger to<strong> <em>culture<\/em><\/strong>\u2019s Best Cheeses issue, Dutch cheesemaker Marieke Penterman, who operates her \u201ccow spa\u201d within Wisconsin\u2019s high-quality dairy framework, earns her spot this year with her Gouda Reserve. Limited edition and one-of-a-kind\u2014fitting, given the memorable personality of its maker\u2014Marieke Gouda Reserve is aged for over 1,000 days. Lying in wait for two-and-a-half years transforms the cheese into a near-geode of crystalline crunch while still retaining a rich and creamy foundation, earning it a Super Gold at the 2024\u20132025 WCA. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsincheesemart.com\/products\/gouda-marieke-1000-day?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/images.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50370 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/images.jpg 225w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/images-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/leherveduvieuxmoulin.be\/\"><strong>Herve du Vieux Moulin AOP<\/strong><br><\/a>Fromagerie du Vieux Moulin | <em>Herve, Belgium<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">The only Belgian cheese with protected status, this little cow\u2019s milk square is small in size but mighty in flavor. Similar to Limburger, its beer-washed rind gives way to a straw-colored interior that\u2019s buttery and becomes increasingly runnier with age. The rind exudes a pungent aroma, but it\u2019s a bit of a red herring for the semi-firm paste, which is relatively mild with lightly sweet and somewhat fruity aromas. Traditionally, Herve du Vieux Moulin is enjoyed on rye bread with a cup of coffee on the side. Up the ante by pairing with a Belgian beer, pickled veggies, and crusty bread. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1182\" height=\"1272\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-12.03.53-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50369 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-12.03.53-PM.png 1182w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-12.03.53-PM-279x300.png 279w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1182px) 100vw, 1182px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.belgioioso.com\/products\/provolone\/\"><strong>Sharp Provolone Mandarino<\/strong><br><\/a>BelGioioso Cheese | <em>Green Bay, Wisconsin<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">The Italian cheese experts at BelGioioso churned out another winner with its Sharp Provolone Mandarino, which took Best of Class in its category at the 2025 USCCC. Crafted using traditional methods, this aged cow\u2019s milk provolone is known for its sharp flavor and mandarin-like shape. This cheese is aged for a minimum of seven months, which creates its signature piquant bite. Grate onto your favorite cheesy dishes (think: pasta and pizza), dice into cubes on a cheese plate, or pair alongside briny olives, cured Italian meats, and your favorite full-bodied red\u2014Chianti, anyone? <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/seabrafoods.com\/products\/belgioioso-sharp-provolone-cheese-8-oz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Original-Blue-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50287 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Original-Blue-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Original-Blue-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Original-Blue-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Original-Blue-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Original-Blue-scaled.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pointreyescheese.com\/products\/original-blue?\"><strong>Original Blue<\/strong><br><\/a>Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. | <em>Point Reyes Station, California<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">You can\u2019t go wrong with a classic. Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. has been producing this raw cow\u2019s milk cutie for over two decades, cementing it as what is now known as a classic California-style blue. This ultra-creamy wheel packs a punch from the blue-green veins throughout yet maintains a distinctive freshness because it\u2019s only aged for three-and-a-half months. Since its debut in 2000, Original Blue has won myriad awards, and this year was no exception\u2014it ranked among top three cheeses at the 2025 GFA. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/murrays-cheese.pxf.io\/LKjqBo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Eleftheria-Brunost.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50288 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/eleftheriacheese.com\/product\/brunost\/\">Brunost<\/a><\/strong><br>Eleftheria Cheese | <em>Mumbai, India<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Mumbai-based cheesemaker Eleftheria makes its Brunost much like the Norwegian original\u2014by boiling down whey until it\u2019s fudge-like\u2014but with a signature twist. Each block of Brunost is embossed with the cheesemaker\u2019s name in Devanagari script, much like the artisanal Indian milk sweet known as peda. This cheese is a mix of savory and sweet with intense salted toffee notes and a thick and luscious texture. It won Super Gold at the 2023\u20132024 WCA (coincidentally, Norway hosted that year) and landed among the top five best cheeses in the world at this competition. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/eleftheriacheese.com\/product\/brunost\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\"><em>** Not available in the US **<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/detail_retina_960x960_24115.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50368 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/detail_retina_960x960_24115.png 960w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/detail_retina_960x960_24115-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/detail_retina_960x960_24115-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/detail_retina_960x960_24115-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/detail_retina_960x960_24115-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/detail_retina_960x960_24115-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/detail_retina_960x960_24115-600x600.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fromi.com\/cheeses\/nero-fume\/\">Nero Fum\u00e8<\/a><\/strong><br>Moro Formaggi | <em>Oderzo, Italy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Nero Fum\u00e8\u2014or \u201csmoked black\u201d in Italian\u2014is exactly the kind of name you\u2019d expect for a cheese that\u2019s aged in barrels with black tea. Sergio Moro, third-generation owner of Moro Formaggi, is known for his experimental blue cheeses, and this tea leaf-coated wheel is no exception. It starts with locally sourced pasteurized cow\u2019s milk and is smoked during the 60-day aging process, which produces a complex, earthy, and robust flavor. The rind is dark and smoky while the paste is rich and creamy. Whiskey, black tea, chocolate, and dried fruits are perfect pairings to enhance this blue\u2019s natural flavors. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fromi.com\/cheeses\/nero-fume\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"598\" height=\"706\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Red-Hawk.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50279 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Red-Hawk.jpg 598w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Red-Hawk-254x300.jpg 254w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 598px) 100vw, 598px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cowgirlcreamery.com\/pages\/red-hawk\"><strong>Red Hawk<\/strong><br><\/a>Cowgirl Creamery | <em>Petaluma, California<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">This washed-rind triple cream is made using organic pasteurized cow\u2019s milk sourced from local farms in Petaluma, California. Red Hawk\u2019s amber exterior is reminiscent of the red-tailed hawk it\u2019s named after, and is a sign this cheese was washed during the aging process. The paste is soft and smooth and tastes like cured meats and ocean air\u2014a bit milder than the cheese\u2019s pungent aroma would suggest. Serve it on a cheese plate alongside charcuterie, pickles, and roasted nuts, or enjoy with everything from barrel-aged sours to funky pet-nats. Red Hawk took First in its category at the 2025 ACS. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gourmetdash.com\/cheese\/red-hawk-cheese-94331-config\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/PLF_Quark_plc-24-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50300 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/PLF_Quark_plc-24-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/PLF_Quark_plc-24-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/PLF_Quark_plc-24-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/PLF_Quark_plc-24-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/PLF_Quark_plc-24-scaled.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pleasantlanefarms.com\/product\/quark-cheese\/23?\"><strong>Quark Cheese<\/strong><br><\/a>The Creamery at Pleasant Lane Farms | <em>Latrobe, Pennsylvania<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">A popular cheese in central and northern Europe, quark is becoming a stateside star. The Creamery at Pleasant Lane Farms has won multiple awards in recent years for this soft, spreadable cheese, including Second in its category at the 2025 ACS, and Best of Class in its category at the 2025 USCCC. Made from pasteurized cow\u2019s milk from the farm\u2019s own herd, this cheese has a gentle tanginess that lends itself to savory and sweet applications, much like Icelandic skyr or cottage cheese. Mix it into desserts like cheesecakes and trifles, or swirl it into your favorite pasta dish for extra-creamy oomph. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pleasantlanefarms.com\/product\/quark-cheese\/23?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"955\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-05-at-2.47.43-PM-955x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50296 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-05-at-2.47.43-PM-955x1024.png 955w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-05-at-2.47.43-PM-280x300.png 280w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-05-at-2.47.43-PM-768x824.png 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-05-at-2.47.43-PM.png 1270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 955px) 100vw, 955px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.parishhillcreamery.com\/shop\/p\/jacksblue\"><strong>Jack\u2019s Blue<\/strong><br><\/a>Parish Hill Creamery | <em>Westminster West, Vermont<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Parish Hill Creamery operates with a \u201cnatural cheese done right\u201d ethos, where every step of the operation is farmstead in nature, including starter cultures selected from specific cows for each cheese. \u201cDone right\u201d also manifests in the creamery\u2019s award-winning cheeses. Jack\u2019s Blue\u2014a variant of Parish Hill\u2019s \u201cdecadent monster\u201d West West Blue\u2014is a smaller Gorgonzola-style wheel that includes curds from raw cow\u2019s milk collected on the first day of West West Blue\u2019s two-curd make. Described by Parish Hill as an \u201cunexpected crowd-pleaser,\u201d Jack\u2019s Blue is creamy, dense, earthy, and gently spicy, and the recipient of a Super Gold at the 2024\u20132025 WCA. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.parishhillcreamery.com\/shop\/p\/jacksblue\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Alpenhorn-1024x682.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50297 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Alpenhorn-1024x682.png 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Alpenhorn-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Alpenhorn-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Alpenhorn.png 1441w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petersoncheese.com\/catalog\/products\/cheese\/cow\/alpenhorn-swiss-cheese\">Alpenhorn<\/a><\/strong><br>Elsa Group\u2013Mifroma | <em>Switzerland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Distributed by Switzerland\u2019s Mifroma, Alpenhorn\u2014or Hornkuhk\u00e4se in its native German\u2014was the highest-ranking Swiss cheese at the 2024\u20132025 WCA, winning Super Gold and receiving the second-highest overall score. Named for the horn Alpine shepherds used to communicate with, it\u2019s also made from the milk of horned cows, a relative anomaly for dairy cows even in Switzerland, with cream added to the thermized milk base for an especially decadent texture. Otherwise, the cheese trumpets with the flavors one expects from a top-of-its-class Alpine: wild onions, broth, and hazelnuts. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/stores.swissfavorites.com\/alpenhorn-hornkuhkase-1lb\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Morro-Azul-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50275 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Morro-Azul-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Morro-Azul-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Morro-Azul-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Morro-Azul.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/queijospomerode.pertinhodemim.com\/\"><strong>Morro Azul<\/strong><br><\/a>Queijos Pomerode | <em>Pomerode, Brazil<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Named after Brazil\u2019s Morro Azul (or \u201cblue hill\u201d), which is covered with blue hydrangeas in the spring and summer months, this cheese is a tribute to the region\u2019s idyllic landscape. The soft cow\u2019s milk cheese is wrapped in oak bark, which gives it structure and imparts a unique woodsy aroma. The result is a creamy, buttery, rich wheel that pairs beautifully with everything from a malt-forward beer to a crisp Chablis. (Pro tip: Queijos Pomerode recommends heating it in the microwave or oven for an extra-melty experience.) Morro Azul won Best Cheese in Latin America at the 2023 WCA. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/queijospomerode.pertinhodemim.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>WHERE TO BUY<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\"><em>**Not available in the US**<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1022\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gruyere-Alpage-Margot-Fromages.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50367 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gruyere-Alpage-Margot-Fromages.jpg 1022w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gruyere-Alpage-Margot-Fromages-300x264.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gruyere-Alpage-Margot-Fromages-768x676.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1022px) 100vw, 1022px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.margotfromages.ch\/en\/5566\/\"><strong>Gruy\u00e8re AOP Margot Alpage<\/strong><br><\/a>Margot Fromages | <em>Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Variations of Gruy\u00e8re have frequently topped competition lists, taking best in show at the WCA five times since the early 1990s. This 2024\u20132025 WCA Super Gold Gruy\u00e8re, which also landed the award for Best Le Gruy\u00e8re Cheese, is an Alpine selection whose miniature, seasonal operation is situated between the Jura Mountain\u2019s Lac de Joux and Mont Tendre. Small herds graze on mountainous pastures with abundant botanical diversity, and the milk is tended to with deep, ancestral knowledge, resulting in an utterly complex, savory wheel. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"972\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-11.55.09-AM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50366 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-11.55.09-AM.png 920w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-11.55.09-AM-284x300.png 284w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.tillamook.com\/products\/makers-reserve-aged-13-year-extra-sharp-cheddar?\">Maker\u2019s Reserve 11-Year Extra-Sharp White Cheddar<\/a><\/strong><br>Tillamook County Creamery Association | <em>Tillamook, Oregon<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Tillamook County Creamery proclaims that their secret ingredient is time, reflecting a century of cheesemaking in their farmer-owned association model. But time is the not-so-secret ingredient in a cheese that\u2019s not only aged 11 years to perfection but also vintage-dated. The 2014 Maker\u2019s Reserve took Gold and the award for Best Cheddar Cheese at the 2024\u20132025 WCA. The cheese\u2019s pronounced tang is balanced by notes of butter and pear from an intentionally high butterfat content, making this cheddar more memorable than anything else from 2014. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.tillamook.com\/products\/makers-reserve-aged-13-year-extra-sharp-cheddar?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"703\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Doe-Wheel-Beauty-Shot-7-e1767644226934.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50301 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Doe-Wheel-Beauty-Shot-7-e1767644226934.png 703w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Doe-Wheel-Beauty-Shot-7-e1767644226934-300x256.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 703px) 100vw, 703px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/deercreekcheese.com\/our-cheeses\/the-doe\"><strong>The Doe<\/strong><br><\/a>Deer Creek Cheese | <em>Sheboygan, Wisconsin<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Deer Creek Cheese\u2019s Chris Gentine, founder of The Artisan Cheese Exchange, is somewhat of a wizard when it comes to flavored cheese, and this magical wheel is no exception. The Doe, which claimed First in its category at the 2025 ACS, is a flavored cheddar that combines local cow\u2019s milk with freshly ground whole Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans for a stunning marbled finish. This wheel is carefully bandage-wrapped and aged so the vanilla can properly infuse, imparting a savory, semisweet, woodsy finish to the velvety cheddar. This cheese tastes great on its own, but Gentine encourages exploration when it comes to his creations\u2014he recommends adding it to everything from grilled cheese to apple pie. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheesers.com\/product-page\/deer-creek-doe?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"959\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bayley-Cut-Full-Focus-scaled-e1767643286878-959x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50298 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bayley-Cut-Full-Focus-scaled-e1767643286878-959x1024.jpg 959w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bayley-Cut-Full-Focus-scaled-e1767643286878-281x300.jpg 281w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bayley-Cut-Full-Focus-scaled-e1767643286878-768x820.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bayley-Cut-Full-Focus-scaled-e1767643286878-1439x1536.jpg 1439w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bayley-Cut-Full-Focus-scaled-e1767643286878.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 959px) 100vw, 959px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jasperhillfarm.com\/bayley?\"><strong>Bayley Hazen Blue<\/strong><br><\/a>Jasper Hill Farm | <em>Greensboro, Vermont<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Among the top 14 cheeses in the 2024\u20132025 WCA, Jasper Hill Farm\u2019s Bayley Hazen Blue earned the third-highest overall score, winning Super Gold and the Best American Cheese category. One of the Vermont creamery\u2019s original cheeses, Bayley Hazen Blue was named for an American Revolutionary War road in the area and has been leading cheese connoisseurs toward Jasper Hill since its inception in 2003. This moderately-veined, raw-milk blue is complex and approachable in equal parts\u2014sturdy and creamy, sweet and spicy; it\u2019s a cheese worthy of a revolution for the blue-timid. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/murrays-cheese.pxf.io\/K0GJWa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1009\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Queso-Oaxaca-cm_0625_0019-1-CMYK-e1767891194698-1009x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50365 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Queso-Oaxaca-cm_0625_0019-1-CMYK-e1767891194698-1009x1024.png 1009w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Queso-Oaxaca-cm_0625_0019-1-CMYK-e1767891194698-295x300.png 295w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Queso-Oaxaca-cm_0625_0019-1-CMYK-e1767891194698-768x780.png 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Queso-Oaxaca-cm_0625_0019-1-CMYK-e1767891194698.png 1307w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1009px) 100vw, 1009px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quesosnavarro.com\/qr\/quesillo-oaxaca\"><strong>Quesillo Navarro<\/strong><br><\/a>Quesos Navarro | <em>Jalisco, Mexico<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Hailing from western Mexico, this pasteurized cow\u2019s milk cheese placed First in its category at the 2025 ACS. Quesillo Navarro\u2014or queso Oaxaca, as it\u2019s known in metropolitan areas like Mexico City\u2014is formed by rolling soft, spun paste made from freshly skimmed milk into a yarn-like ball. The resulting cheese is easy to unravel and is known for its meltability. Its texture is buttery and smooth while its taste is mild and lightly salty, making it a top-notch candidate for dishes such as quesadillas, chile rellenos, and more. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/murrays-cheese.pxf.io\/DyY9qb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"752\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/produit-2-16-jpg0442311d1e3369541343af53102d3f0f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50364 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/produit-2-16-jpg0442311d1e3369541343af53102d3f0f.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/produit-2-16-jpg0442311d1e3369541343af53102d3f0f-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/produit-2-16-jpg0442311d1e3369541343af53102d3f0f-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/produit-2-16-jpg0442311d1e3369541343af53102d3f0f-500x375.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lesdependances.com\/en\/Catalog\/Details\/441251\">Comt\u00e9 AOP Fort des Rousses, 24 Months<\/a><\/strong><br>Fromageries Arnaud | <em>Les Rousses, France<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Do cheeses aged in a former military fortress established by Napoleon Bonaparte naturally acquire strength? Given 24-month Comt\u00e9 AOP Fort des Rousses\u2019 recent 2024\u20132025 WCA Super Gold win, an argument could be made. Fort des Rousses, once France\u2019s second-largest military fortress, is now the largest maturation cellar\u2014housing over 140,000 wheels\u2014for traditional Comt\u00e9, helmed by multigenerational master cheesemakers Fromageries Arnaud. Within this cathedral of flavor and the slow, continual air movement the unique architecture provides, the winning Comt\u00e9 is supple and lactic, even in its advanced age, with persistent aromatics of fruits, nuts, and spice. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.comte-monts-jura.com\/juraflore-comtes-aop-d-exception-comte-aop-fort-des-rousses-24-mois,6-2.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\"><em>**Does not ship to US**<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MIMO-18_CMJN-1-1024x950.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50273 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MIMO-18_CMJN-1-1024x950.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MIMO-18_CMJN-1-300x278.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MIMO-18_CMJN-1-768x713.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MIMO-18_CMJN-1-1536x1425.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MIMO-18_CMJN-1-scaled.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.isigny-ste-mere.com\/en\/products\/our-cheeses\/mimolette\/\"><strong>Extra-Mature Mimolette<\/strong><br><\/a>Isigny Sainte-M\u00e8re | <em>Isigny-sur-Mer, France<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">With its cantaloupe shape and fiery orange hue, mimolette is more than just a visual stunner. Nor is it defined by its most unique talking point: the microscopic mites that contribute to its almost perforated texture. Behind all that style is substance, and because of this, Isigny Sainte-M\u00e8re\u2019s Extra-Mature Mimolette was awarded Super Gold at the 2024\u20132025 WCA. The Normandy-based dairy cooperative has been crafting exemplary cheeses and other dairy products since 1909. Along with a nearly crimson hue after at least 18 months of aging, this cheese evokes caramelization with butterscotch notes, enhanced and underscored by a toothsome firmness and tyrosine crunch. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/murrays-cheese.pxf.io\/N95D9v\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"965\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Pfeffer_MG_5331-1-1024x965.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50299 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Pfeffer_MG_5331-1-1024x965.png 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Pfeffer_MG_5331-1-300x283.png 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Pfeffer_MG_5331-1-768x724.png 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Pfeffer_MG_5331-1.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaeskuche.com\/product\/shadow-blossom\/\"><strong>Shadow Blossom<\/strong><br><\/a>Hofk\u00e4serei Kraus &amp; Restaurant Schattbuch | <em>Ebersbach bei Oberg\u00fcnzburg, Germany<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">For this cheese, teamwork makes the dreamwork\u2014namely, the collaboration between German cheesemaker Albert Kraus and the folks at Michelin-starred Restaurant Schattbuch. Shadow Blossom begins as a traditional Allg\u00e4u, a semi-hard cheese the region and cheesemaker are known for. Since 1999, Hofk\u00e4serei Kraus has produced cheese using milk from nearby herds of Brown Swiss cows. Unlike its sister cheese that\u2019s coated in wildflowers, this wheel is coated with wild Madagascar peppercorn, long pepper, tailed pepper, Kampot pepper, pink berries, and cardamom, lending a bright, spiced taste to the paste closest to the rind. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/delaurenti.com\/shadow-blossom-1220700000334-76295\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"902\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Setana_Cheesedom-scaled-e1767644102795-1024x902.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50305 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Setana_Cheesedom-scaled-e1767644102795-1024x902.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Setana_Cheesedom-scaled-e1767644102795-300x264.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Setana_Cheesedom-scaled-e1767644102795-768x677.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Setana_Cheesedom-scaled-e1767644102795-1536x1354.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Setana_Cheesedom-scaled-e1767644102795.jpg 1937w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cheesedom.official.ec\/items\/54832211\"><strong>Setana<\/strong><br><\/a>Cheesedom |<em> Japan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">After only three short years of cheesemaking, Emiko Nakayama\u2019s Camembert-style creation won big internationally. Setana\u2014named for the town on Hokkaido\u2014won Super Gold and Best Japanese Cheese at the 2024\u20132025 WCA. This rich cheese begins with milk from cows that graze on seaside pastures rich in minerals, which ensures each wheel is imbued with Japanese terroir. Setana\u2019s paste is butter-like in color and texture. It has a clean taste that defines many Japanese cheeses in production today. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/cheesedom.official.ec\/items\/54832211\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\"><em>** Not available in the US **<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"944\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Beemster_XO_26m_013075_Wheel-w-Wedge-1024x944.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50274 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Beemster_XO_26m_013075_Wheel-w-Wedge-1024x944.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Beemster_XO_26m_013075_Wheel-w-Wedge-300x276.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Beemster_XO_26m_013075_Wheel-w-Wedge-768x708.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Beemster_XO_26m_013075_Wheel-w-Wedge-1536x1416.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Beemster_XO_26m_013075_Wheel-w-Wedge-scaled.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beemstercheese.us\/products\/x-o\"><strong>Beemster XO<\/strong><br><\/a>Beemster Cheese | <em>Westbeemster, Netherlands<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">A relative of Gouda with extreme regional specificity, Beemster cheeses are made from the milk of cows grazing on the mineral-rich grasses of the Beemster polder\u2014once submerged land in the low-lying Dutch province of North Holland. Crafted by CONO Kaasmakers, a cooperative of cheesemakers in Middenbeemster, this pasteurized, washed-curd wheel ages for at least two years; the result is nothing short of cheese candy, redolent of salted caramel in both flavor and bite, with whiskey and pecan overtones. Beemster XO received Super Gold at the 2024\u20132025 WCA. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.markethallfoods.com\/products\/beemster-xo-aged-gouda-cheese?variant=33847092097\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2619-3-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50286 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2619-3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2619-3-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2619-3-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2619-3-scaled.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.woodlawncreamery.com\/pawlet\">Pawlet<\/a><\/strong><br>Woodlawn Creamery | <em>West Pawlet, Vermont<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Meet Pawlet: in one sense, it\u2019s a brand-new cheese, but it\u2019s also been made in Vermont for almost two decades. The Italian-inspired washed-rind wheels were previously made and distributed by now-closed Consider Bardwell Farm. Today, seventh-generation Woodlawn Creamery owner Seth Leach, along with his wife Kate and cheesemaker Leslie Goff Tyminski, have breathed new life into Pawlet, crafting the cheese with raw milk from Woodlawn\u2019s entirely pastured Holstein Friesian herd. The resulting Taleggio-style cheese\u2014grassy, earthy, and sweet\u2014reflects the care and concern it takes to save something too good to leave behind. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/saxelbycheese.com\/products\/pawlet?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"918\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BHC_MarcoPoloReserve_BeautyShots_11212025-16-scaled-e1767643987888-918x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50304 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BHC_MarcoPoloReserve_BeautyShots_11212025-16-scaled-e1767643987888-918x1024.jpg 918w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BHC_MarcoPoloReserve_BeautyShots_11212025-16-scaled-e1767643987888-269x300.jpg 269w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BHC_MarcoPoloReserve_BeautyShots_11212025-16-scaled-e1767643987888-768x857.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BHC_MarcoPoloReserve_BeautyShots_11212025-16-scaled-e1767643987888-1376x1536.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BHC_MarcoPoloReserve_BeautyShots_11212025-16-scaled-e1767643987888.jpg 1835w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 918px) 100vw, 918px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beechershandmadecheese.com\/products\/marco-polo-7-oz\/\"><strong>Marco Polo Reserve<\/strong><br><\/a>Beecher\u2019s Handmade Cheese | <em>Seattle, Washington<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Beecher\u2019s Handmade Cheese is best known for the classic cheddar that launched a thousand crocks of mac and cheese. Among Beecher\u2019s flavored cheddar options\u2014a category that has seen a lot of traction in recent awards\u2014Marco Polo Reserve honors the exploratory spirit of its namesake, with green and black peppercorns added to the classic cheddar\u2019s sweet-and-savory base. A 2024\u20132025 WCA Super Gold winner, Marco Polo Reserve is made by cloth-binding the peppercorn-studded truckle for extended open-air aging, resulting in a lower-moisture cheese with an exceptionally savory, umami bite. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/murrays-cheese.pxf.io\/DyYg2d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"685\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Wild-Garlic-Yarg_AHS-x-LD-product.2024-300-11-2-1024x685.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50276 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Wild-Garlic-Yarg_AHS-x-LD-product.2024-300-11-2-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Wild-Garlic-Yarg_AHS-x-LD-product.2024-300-11-2-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Wild-Garlic-Yarg_AHS-x-LD-product.2024-300-11-2-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Wild-Garlic-Yarg_AHS-x-LD-product.2024-300-11-2-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Wild-Garlic-Yarg_AHS-x-LD-product.2024-300-11-2-scaled.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finecheese.co.uk\/products\/wild-garlic-yarg\"><strong>Wild Garlic Yarg<\/strong><br><\/a>Lynher Dairy | <em>Cornwall, UK<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Perhaps nothing describes Lynher Dairy\u2019s Wild Garlic Yarg better than \u201cmoreish\u201d\u2014the English term for something so delicious it literally keeps you craving more. Made in Cornwall from pasteurized milk collected from a herd of Ayrshire cows, yarg is modeled after a sixteenth-century nettle-wrapped Caerphilly-style cheese. Wild Garlic Yarg swaps traditional nettles for wild garlic shoots that grow in springtime abundance in the region, creating a tidy, verdant truckle, and imbuing the semi-hard cheese with allium tang. Wild Garlic Yarg earned Super Gold at the 2024\u20132025 WCA. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finecheese.co.uk\/products\/wild-garlic-yarg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\"><em>**Limited availability in the US**<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"https:\/\/murrays-cheese.pxf.io\/PyXkxY\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/barnstorm-earth-month-plp-040124-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50271 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/barnstorm-earth-month-plp-040124-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/barnstorm-earth-month-plp-040124-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/barnstorm-earth-month-plp-040124-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/barnstorm-earth-month-plp-040124-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/barnstorm-earth-month-plp-040124-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/barnstorm-earth-month-plp-040124-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/barnstorm-earth-month-plp-040124-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/barnstorm-earth-month-plp-040124.jpg 1350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/murrays-cheese.pxf.io\/PyXkxY\"><strong>Cave-Aged Barnstorm Blue<\/strong><br><\/a>Murray\u2019s Cheese | <em>New York, New York<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Barnstorm is a fitting name for a well-traveled cheese with showstopping, almost daredevil sensibilities. Created in partnership with Vermont\u2019s Jasper Hill Farm, who supplied the base, and Murray\u2019s Cheese, who manages the affinage, both parties sought to make one of the most technically difficult cheeses on the market: a square-format, raw-milk, washed-rind blue. Succeeding in creating a cheese that is structurally and technically sound is one feat; developing a blue cheese that wafts with the aroma of freshly baked brownies is nothing short of prestidigitation. Barnstorm Blue was awarded First in its category at the 2025 ACS. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/murrays-cheese.pxf.io\/PyXkxY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Mt-Alice-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50280 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Mt-Alice-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Mt-Alice-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Mt-Alice-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Mt-Alice-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Mt-Alice-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Mt-Alice-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Mt-Alice-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Mt-Alice.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vontrappfarmstead.com\/cheeses\"><strong>Mt. Alice<\/strong><br><\/a>von Trapp Farmstead | <em>Waitsfield, Vermont<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Named for the mountain that supervises von Trapp Farmstead, this 2024\u20132025 WCA Super Gold designee mimics snow-capped peaks with its delicate, bloomy rind. Made by Sebastian von Trapp and Molly Semler, Mt. Alice\u2019s flavors evolve from bright butter and citrus in its youth to earthen and vegetal, softening into a smooth and luxuriant paste as it ages. The multigenerational dairy\u2019s commitment to regenerative agriculture and organic farming is the basis for all the creamery\u2019s frequently lauded dairy products. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/saxelbycheese.com\/products\/mt-alice?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Wrangeback-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50277 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Wrangeback-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Wrangeback-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Wrangeback-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Wrangeback-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Wrangeback-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Wrangeback-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Wrangeback-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Wrangeback-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Wrangeback.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/makertomonger.com\/cheese\/wrangeback\">Wr\u00e5ngeb\u00e4ck<\/a><\/strong><br>Almn\u00e4s Bruk | <em>Hjo, Sweden<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Founded by monks in 1225, Almn\u00e4s Bruk has been a place for cheesemaking and dairying in Sweden on and off ever since. Wr\u00e5ngeb\u00e4ck, a raw cow\u2019s milk cheese, is recognized as the oldest Swedish cheese ever made, with production beginning in the 1830s. Each wheel is aged for 10 months, and the rinds are washed with a salty brine during aging, which adds depth of flavor to the final product. This semi-hard cheese has notes of mushroom, umami, and a lactic bite to finish. In 2022, Almn\u00e4s Bruk Wr\u00e5ngeb\u00e4ck became the first ever Nordic cheese to receive PDO status from the European Union, officially joining other European greats. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/fairfieldcheese.com\/products\/wrangeback?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Grand-Trunk-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50302 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Grand-Trunk-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Grand-Trunk-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Grand-Trunk-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Grand-Trunk-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Grand-Trunk-scaled.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Grand-Trunk-500x375.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stonetowncheese.com\/products\/grand-trunk\/\"><strong>Grand Trunk<\/strong><br><\/a>Stonetown Artisan Cheese | <em>St. Mary\u2019s, Ontario<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Canadian cheeses continued their streak of stealing hearts, minds, and palates, with Grand Trunk taking Third Place Best of Show at the 2025 ACS. This cooked-curd cheese is a popular Alpine-style melter crafted by the Swiss immigrant makers at Stonetown Artisan Cheese. Made from the raw milk of their Holstein Friesian herd, Grand Trunk\u2019s rind is smeared with wine yeast during its extended aging, lending complex aromatics and a distinctively rustic look. Named for an equally weathered local railway bridge, Grand Trunk delivers flavors of butter, roasted nuts, and dewy summer prairies. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/stonetowncheese.com\/products\/grand-trunk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\"><em>** Limited availability in the US **<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Meule-Alfred-le-Fermier-1-550x550-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50362 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Meule-Alfred-le-Fermier-1-550x550-1.jpg 550w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Meule-Alfred-le-Fermier-1-550x550-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Meule-Alfred-le-Fermier-1-550x550-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Meule-Alfred-le-Fermier-1-550x550-1-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Meule-Alfred-le-Fermier-1-550x550-1-400x400.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><figcaption>Alfred le Fermier, a cheese from Canadian farmstead creamery Fromagerie la Station. Photograph courtesy of Fromagerie la Station.<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fromagerielastation.com\/en\/cheese-dairy\/alfred-the-farmer\/\"><strong>Alfred Le Fermier<\/strong><br><\/a>Fromagerie La Station | <em>Compton, Quebec<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Alfred Le Fermier is deceptively unassuming, befitting its namesake: Alfred the farmer, who established the dairy farm where this cheese is produced nearly 100 years ago. A tidy wheel with a buttery yellow paste made from raw, organic cow\u2019s milk, this cheese won First Place Best of Show at the 2025 ACS. Crafted by cheesemaker Simon-Pierre Bolduc, who is also Alfred\u2019s great-grandson, the cheese\u2019s caramel-hued washed rind is more woodsy than wild, with fruit and honey among its tasting notes\u2014appropriate for a farm with a maple grove on-site. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.antonellischeese.com\/products\/alfred-le-fermier-fromagerie-la-station-raw-cow-quebec-canada-semi-soft?srsltid=AfmBOoqmiZoSRK7psHzWjBSS2RLJQkN612SmqBNZVrXr-AK_KkmC3DPR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Golden-Gate-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50292 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Golden-Gate-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Golden-Gate-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Golden-Gate-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Golden-Gate-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Golden-Gate-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Golden-Gate-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Golden-Gate-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Golden-Gate.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/marinfrenchcheese.com\/products\/golden-gate\"><strong>Golden Gate<\/strong><br><\/a>Marin French Cheese Co. | <em>Petaluma, California<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Golden Gate\u2014appropriately named for the architectural icon\u2014is a California original brought to life by the cultures on its dynamic surface. The cheese\u2019s golden hue is less peaceful-sunset-over-the-bridge and more neon-rave-beneath-it. During its 14-day aging cycle, the hedonistic triple cream is hand-washed with brine for a streak of wildness. Gooey, funky, and vegetal, this attention-grabbing bloomy rind placed Third in its category at the 2025 ACS. <strong>PV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.markethallfoods.com\/products\/golden-gate-from-marin-french?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1020\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Smokey-Blue-Wheel-Wedge-2019-_-Beryl-Striewski-scaled-e1767643844833-1020x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50303 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Smokey-Blue-Wheel-Wedge-2019-_-Beryl-Striewski-scaled-e1767643844833-1020x1024.jpg 1020w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Smokey-Blue-Wheel-Wedge-2019-_-Beryl-Striewski-scaled-e1767643844833-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Smokey-Blue-Wheel-Wedge-2019-_-Beryl-Striewski-scaled-e1767643844833-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Smokey-Blue-Wheel-Wedge-2019-_-Beryl-Striewski-scaled-e1767643844833-768x771.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Smokey-Blue-Wheel-Wedge-2019-_-Beryl-Striewski-scaled-e1767643844833-1530x1536.jpg 1530w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Smokey-Blue-Wheel-Wedge-2019-_-Beryl-Striewski-scaled-e1767643844833.jpg 1702w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/roguecreamery.com\/products\/smokey-blue-cheese?\"><strong>Smokey Blue<\/strong><br><\/a>Rogue Creamery | <em>Central Point, Oregon<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Inspired by Oregon\u2019s wildfire-prevention icon Smokey Bear, this toasty blue is an homage to its namesake. The base starts with certified organic pasteurized cow\u2019s milk inoculated with <em>Penicillium roqueforti<\/em>, then the wheel is cold-smoked over hazelnut shells, imparting a deep nuttiness with distinct notes of candied bacon and sweet spice. It\u2019s cave-aged for 90 days before it\u2019s ready to enjoy, which enhances its depth of flavor and mellows out some of the blue funk. Smokey Blue won a 2025 GFA, joining the ranks of Rogue Creamery\u2019s many other award-winning originals. <strong>MT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/murrays-cheese.pxf.io\/2aoqAQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\" id=\"sheeps-milk\">Sheep\u2019s Milk Cheeses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Written by Alana Pedalino<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Sigma-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50374 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Sigma-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Sigma-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Sigma-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Sigma-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Sigma-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Sigma-scaled.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Sigma-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Sigma-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Sigma-600x600.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rogerscollection.us\/product\/sigma\/\"><strong>Rueda de Sigma<\/strong><br><\/a>Quesos de Hualdo | <em>Toledo, Spain<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Rueda de Sigma is a Spanish Alpine-style cheese made from the high-quality raw milk of Manchega sheep that\u2019s aged for seven months. Tasting notes range from sweet to nutty to fermented, with scents of toffee intensifying as the cheese matures. Cooking with Sigma unlocks even more flavor, enhancing meat dishes and melting like a dream. This cheese won Two Stars at the 2025 GTA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rogerscollection.us\/product\/sigma\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Blackberry-Cheese-2025_0728759-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50344 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Blackberry-Cheese-2025_0728759-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Blackberry-Cheese-2025_0728759-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Blackberry-Cheese-2025_0728759-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Blackberry-Cheese-2025_0728759-scaled.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blackberryfarmshop.com\/products\/magnolia?\"><strong>Magnolia<\/strong><br><\/a>Blackberry Farm | <em>Walland, Tennessee<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">At Blackberry Farm, a massive luxury resort nestled in the idyllic foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, a flock of (mostly) East Friesian sheep grazes. Magnolia, the creamery\u2019s take on a bloomy camembert, is known for its rich mouthfeel and luscious, mildly tangy flavor. Named after the grand magnolia tree that overlooks the farm and its happy sheep, this pasteurized beauty earned Best of Class in its category at the USCCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/blackberryfarmshop.com\/products\/magnolia?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"752\" height=\"756\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/230213-Agour-PABIPATEPASTEXP-Small-Espelette-pepper-750g-slice-pres2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50345 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/230213-Agour-PABIPATEPASTEXP-Small-Espelette-pepper-750g-slice-pres2.png 752w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/230213-Agour-PABIPATEPASTEXP-Small-Espelette-pepper-750g-slice-pres2-298x300.png 298w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/230213-Agour-PABIPATEPASTEXP-Small-Espelette-pepper-750g-slice-pres2-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/agour.com\/en\/raw-milk\/32-petit-agour-sheep-cheese-with-espelette-pepper-paste.html\"><strong>\u201cPetit Agour\u201d Sheep Cheese with Espelette Pepper<\/strong><br><\/a>Agour | <em>H\u00e9lette, France<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Agour, maker of globally acclaimed Ossau-Iraty, won us over with this delicate wheel. The salmon-hued rind envelops a thick paste freckled with Espelette, a mildly spicy yet fruity pepper grown in the Basque region of France. This cheese packs a light heat. Pair it with another Basque delight: black cherry jam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/agour.com\/en\/raw-milk\/32-petit-agour-sheep-cheese-with-espelette-pepper-paste.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-9.58.48-AM-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50361 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-9.58.48-AM-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-9.58.48-AM-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-9.58.48-AM-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-9.58.48-AM-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-9.58.48-AM-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-9.58.48-AM-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-9.58.48-AM-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-9.58.48-AM.png 1056w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/murrays-cheese.pxf.io\/VxJJra\"><strong>Fiore Sardo DOP<\/strong><br><\/a>Caseificio Debbene | <em>Macomer, Italy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Crumbly, straw-colored Fiore Sardo dates to the Bronze Age, when herds of sheep first grazed in the Sardinian mountains. Back then, thistle rennet was used, which may have influenced the cheese\u2019s name (fiore means flower in Italian). Today, producer Caseificio Debbene uses lamb rennet and smokes the wheels over wood fires. A bite of Fiore Sardo yields complex umami and salt\u2014the result of aging for about eight months and smoking in accordance with the seasons. This cheese won Super Gold at the 2024\u20132025 WCA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/murrays-cheese.pxf.io\/VxJJra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"963\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Driftless-Natural-1-1024x963.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50346 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Driftless-Natural-1-1024x963.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Driftless-Natural-1-300x282.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Driftless-Natural-1-768x722.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Driftless-Natural-1.jpg 1284w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiddenspringscreamery.com\/products\/driftless-natural\"><strong>Driftless\u2013Natural<\/strong><br><\/a>Hidden Springs Creamery | <em>Westby, Wisconsin<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Driftless is the flagship cheese of Wisconsin\u2019s Hidden Springs Creamery. Its name is derived from the scenic Driftless region, where the creamery\u2019s sheep pasture. This cheese is grassy, lactic, and spreadable like a ch\u00e8vre and now comes in seven flavors\u2014great for slathering on bagels and layering with fresh berries. Natural Driftless took home First in its category at the 2025 ACS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiddenspringscreamery.com\/products\/driftless-natural\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Image-produit-Brebicet-650x650-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50360 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Image-produit-Brebicet-650x650-2.png 650w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Image-produit-Brebicet-650x650-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Image-produit-Brebicet-650x650-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Image-produit-Brebicet-650x650-2-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Image-produit-Brebicet-650x650-2-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Image-produit-Brebicet-650x650-2-600x600.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fromagerdaffinois.com\/product\/fromager-daffinois-brebicet\/\">Brebicet<\/a><\/strong><br>Fromager d\u2019Affinois | <em>P\u00e9lussin, France<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Luxurious and runny, Brebicet shows off the best qualities of Fromager d\u2019Affinois\u2019 double creams. This cheese is aged for two to three weeks and sold in small rectangular blocks. Its rind boasts sophisticated, striped wrinkling, and its taste is neither mild nor intense, though there is a slight tang. Melt it between two crunchy slices of sourdough for a buttery, decadent grilled cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheeseplatebrooklyn.com\/product\/fromage-d-affinois-brebicet-brie-sheep-\/586\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Pecora-Nocciola-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50347 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Pecora-Nocciola-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Pecora-Nocciola-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Pecora-Nocciola-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Pecora-Nocciola-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Pecora-Nocciola-scaled.jpg 1066w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/landmarkcreamery.com\/pages\/tasting-notes-cooking-applications\"><strong>Pecora Nocciola<\/strong><br><\/a>Landmark Creamery | <em>Belleville, Wisconsin<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Modeled after Italian pecorino, Landmark Creamery\u2019s Pecora Nocciola is salty and fatty with flavor notes of toasted macadamias. This versatile cheese can be grated over practically anything for a bright finish or simply paired with a glass of prosecco. Pecora Nocciola has been recognized several times at the ACS Judging &amp; Competition, but in 2025, it won First in its category; it\u2019s another accolade for founder and cheesemaker Anna Landmark, who makes a variety of sheep\u2019s milk cheeses and award-winning butters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/northwoodscheese.com\/landmark-creamery-pecora-nocciola-sheep-milk-cheese-wedge-5-33oz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"937\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-07-at-3.22.57-PM-937x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50348 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-07-at-3.22.57-PM-937x1024.png 937w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-07-at-3.22.57-PM-275x300.png 275w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-07-at-3.22.57-PM-768x839.png 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-07-at-3.22.57-PM.png 1292w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 937px) 100vw, 937px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artikaas.com\/product\/holy-sheep\"><strong>Holy Sheep<\/strong><br><\/a>Artikaas | <em>Heerenveen, Netherlands<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">This impressive sheep\u2019s milk gouda made its debut in 2023. Just one year later, it won Gold at the 2024\u20132025 WCA. Aged for nine months, Holy Sheep is an amalgam of Parmigiano Reggiano, cheddar, and Swiss cheese\u2014yet it possesses gouda\u2019s trademark nuttiness and slightly sweet flavor, an abundance of tyrosine crystals, plus undertones of lanolin. Pair with crisp white wine for a heavenly nosh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/harvestimefoods.com\/artikaas-sheep-gouda-856475007569-57734\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"433\" height=\"577\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/9000d286-f4c8-4457-9b8e-793b26aec84c-removebg-preview.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50373 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/9000d286-f4c8-4457-9b8e-793b26aec84c-removebg-preview.webp 433w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/9000d286-f4c8-4457-9b8e-793b26aec84c-removebg-preview-225x300.webp 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 433px) 100vw, 433px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/queijosoalheira.com\/product\/ovelha-curado\/\"><strong>Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado<\/strong><br><\/a>Queijo da Soalheira Quinta do Pomar Joaquim Duarte Alves | <em>Soalheira, Portugal<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado hails from a tiny Portuguese town but won Super Gold on the international stage at the 2024\u20132025 WCA, where it also claimed World Champion Cheese, Best Portuguese Cheese, and Best Raw Milk Cheese. Butter yellow in color with a washed rind, this humble, mild yet slightly funky cheese can be spread on bread or spooned right into your mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"603\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pecorino_bislacco_al_rum_e_tabacco-1024x603.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50372 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pecorino_bislacco_al_rum_e_tabacco-1024x603.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pecorino_bislacco_al_rum_e_tabacco-300x177.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pecorino_bislacco_al_rum_e_tabacco-768x452.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pecorino_bislacco_al_rum_e_tabacco-1536x904.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pecorino_bislacco_al_rum_e_tabacco.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.caseificiostoricoamatrice.com\/affinati\/pecorino-bislacco-al-rum-e-tabacco\"><strong>Pecorino Bislacco al Rum e Tabacco<\/strong><br><\/a>Caseificio Storico Amatrice | <em>Amatrice, Italy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">This pecorino was Italy\u2019s highest-ranking cheese at the 2024\u20132025 WCA, landing in the top 14 overall and winning Best Italian Cheese. Crafted by Caseificio Storico Amatrice\u2014nestled in the mountains of one of Italy\u2019s largest national park, Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga\u2014this stunner is wrapped in Kentucky tobacco leaves, which lends it a smoky aroma, like that of a fine cigar. It\u2019s also treated with rum, imparting a sweet smell and intense flavor. Caseificio Storico Amatrice calls this pecorino a cheese for meditation, and we could not agree more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\" id=\"goats-milk\">Goat\u2019s Milk Cheeses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Written by Mallory Scyphers<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Drunken-Goat-Reserva_PC-Erin-Scott-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50328 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Drunken-Goat-Reserva_PC-Erin-Scott-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Drunken-Goat-Reserva_PC-Erin-Scott-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Drunken-Goat-Reserva_PC-Erin-Scott-768x1151.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Drunken-Goat-Reserva_PC-Erin-Scott.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forevercheese.com\/product\/drunken-goat-reserva\/\"><strong>Drunken Goat Reserva<\/strong><br><\/a>Central Quesera Montesinos | <em>Murcia, Spain<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Hailing from Murcia, Spain, Drunken Goat Reserva is a classic Spanish goat\u2019s milk cheese that\u2019s been soaked in Monastrell red wine, imparting a distinctive purple rind and mellow, toasted flavor. Made from the milk of Murciana goats, Drunken Goat Reserva is aged for a minimum of 10 months, allowing the cheese to mature into a supple and mild wheel with delicate fruitiness, hints of grape-skin tannin from the wine, and a finish that\u2019s clean and polished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/eurogourmetfoodusa.com\/products\/drunken-goat-reserve-4-5lb-aged-goat-cheese-with-red-wine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"890\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-11.42.38-AM-890x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50363 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-11.42.38-AM-890x1024.png 890w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-11.42.38-AM-261x300.png 261w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-11.42.38-AM-768x884.png 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-08-at-11.42.38-AM.png 966w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 890px) 100vw, 890px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blakesvillecreamery.com\/germain-1\"><strong>St. Germain<\/strong><br><\/a>Blakesville Creamery | <em>Port Washington, Wisconsin<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">St. Germain\u2014which took home Second in its category at the 2025 ACS\u2014embodies Blakesville Creamery\u2019s quiet precision and respect for European tradition. Made on Wisconsin\u2019s eastern shore, this semi-firm, washed-rind goat cheese is styled after the Alpine tommes of France\u2014gentle, nutty, and deeply aromatic without being assertive. Its pale butter-hued paste is supple yet elastic, carrying aromas of toasted grain, cellar, and sweet cream. As it matures, the flavor deepens into a balance of savory warmth and lingering sweetness, finishing clean and pastoral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/caputos.com\/product\/blakesville-creamery-st-germain-goats-milk-cheese\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Truffle-Shuffle_Wegmans.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50326 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Truffle-Shuffle_Wegmans.jpg 600w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Truffle-Shuffle_Wegmans-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Truffle-Shuffle_Wegmans-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Truffle-Shuffle_Wegmans-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Truffle-Shuffle_Wegmans-400x400.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wegmans.com\/shop\/categories\/4468019\"><strong>Truffle Shuffle<\/strong><br><\/a>Wegmans | <em>Websterville, Vermont<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Born out of a collaboration between Vermont Creamery\u2019s expert cheesemakers and Wegmans\u2019 in-house affinage team, Truffle Shuffle brings together the best of both worlds: small-batch artistry and careful maturation. This fresh goat cheese starts with Vermont Creamery\u2019s signature ch\u00e8vre base\u2014bright, citrusy, and impossibly smooth\u2014then gets infused with luxurious black truffle and a whisper of salt. The result is a cheese that\u2019s both playful and elegant\u2014creamy on the palate with an earthy depth that lingers long after each bite. Truffle Shuffle claimed Super Gold at the 2024\u20132025 WCA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wegmans.com\/shop\/categories\/4468019\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"769\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Valleclaro-769x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50325 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Valleclaro-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Valleclaro-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Valleclaro-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Valleclaro-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Valleclaro.jpg 1201w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Valleclaro<\/strong><br>Quesos y Besos | <em>Ja\u00e9n, Spain<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">This expressive Spanish goat\u2019s milk cheese from a family-run operation in Ja\u00e9n, a region known for producing impeccable olive oil, marries tradition and innovation. Made from the pasteurized milk of Malague\u00f1a goats in pastured flocks, its slow lactic-coagulation method yields a gracefully firm yet creamy paste. Valleclaro captured Super Gold and the Ann-Marie Dyas Award for Best Artisan Cheese at the 2024\u20132025 WCA, placing among the top 14 best cheeses in the world. The flavor offers a clean mineral edge, gentle sweet tang, and goat-milk richness, making it a standout in the world of ch\u00e8vres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"PASTE-BUY-LINK-HERE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"944\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Thyme-and-Rosemary-Marinated-Goat-Cheese-scaled-e1767650010171-944x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50324 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Thyme-and-Rosemary-Marinated-Goat-Cheese-scaled-e1767650010171-944x1024.jpg 944w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Thyme-and-Rosemary-Marinated-Goat-Cheese-scaled-e1767650010171-277x300.jpg 277w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Thyme-and-Rosemary-Marinated-Goat-Cheese-scaled-e1767650010171-768x833.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Thyme-and-Rosemary-Marinated-Goat-Cheese-scaled-e1767650010171-1416x1536.jpg 1416w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Thyme-and-Rosemary-Marinated-Goat-Cheese-scaled-e1767650010171.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 944px) 100vw, 944px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/laurachenel.com\/products\/marinated-goat-cheese\/marinated-goat-cheese-thyme-rosemary\">Thyme &amp; Rosemary Marinated Goat Cheese<\/a><\/strong><br>Laura Chenel | <em>Sonoma, California<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">California cheese pioneer Laura Chenel has long been crafting goat\u2019s milk cheeses with flair, and Thyme &amp; Rosemary Marinated Goat Cheese is no exception. This herb-laden disc snagged Second in its category at the 2025 ACS. Packaged in a bath of olive oil, this cheese is gently tangy and dotted with aromatic thyme and rosemary, enhancing the cheese\u2019s brightness and making it a perfect choice for crumbling atop salads or spreading on crusty bread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/marinfrenchcheese.com\/products\/marinated-goat-cheese-thyme-rosemary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Coupole-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50323 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Coupole-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Coupole-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Coupole-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Coupole-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Coupole-1365x2048.jpg 1066w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Coupole.jpg 1067w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vermontcreamery.com\/products\/coupole\">Coupole<\/a><\/strong><br>Vermont Creamery | <em>Websterville, Vermont<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Coupole is one of the aged cheeses that helped define Vermont Creamery\u2019s artistry; a soft-ripened snow-dusted dome, its name nods to its delicate \u201ccupola\u201d silhouette. Beneath its wrinkled Geotrichum rind lies a paste that transitions from dense and chalky at the center to lush and creamy near the edge. Each bite reveals layers: bright lactic tang, faint mushroom earthiness, and a gentle, fresh-cream sweetness. Coupole claimed First in its category at the 2025 ACS Silver and at the 2024\u20132025 WCA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/murrays-cheese.pxf.io\/55WEj1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/original-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50322 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/original-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/original-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/original-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/original-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/original-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/original-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/original-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/original.jpg 1360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montchevre.com\/en\/products\/aged-specialty-cheeses\/goat-milk-cheddar\"><strong>Montchevre Goat Milk Cheddar<\/strong><br><\/a>Saputo Cheese, USA | <em>Black Creek, Wisconsin<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">This innovative cheddar from Saputo\u2019s Montchevre brand blends cheddar-style bite with goat milk\u2019s subtle flavor. The texture is smooth yet confident and, upon initial taste, the flavor is fresh and bright before settling into a mellow and nutty finish. In 2025, Montchevre cheeses collected medals at key international competitions, including Best of Class at the 2025 USCCC in the Hard Goat\u2019s Milk Cheeses category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.montchevre.com\/en\/find-in-store\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/LaClare-Original-GC-4-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50321 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/LaClare-Original-GC-4-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/LaClare-Original-GC-4-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/LaClare-Original-GC-4-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/LaClare-Original-GC-4-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/LaClare-Original-GC-4-scaled.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.laclarefamilycreamery.com\/originalchevre\"><strong>Original Goat Cheese<\/strong><br><\/a>LaClare Creamery | <em>Malone, Wisconsin<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">In Wisconsin\u2019s rolling countryside, LaClare Creamery has turned humble fresh ch\u00e8vre into a model of precision and purity. Made from milk sourced exclusively from local family farms, this cheese captures the freshness of the region in every bite\u2014bright, creamy, and perfectly balanced with citrusy tang and gentle sweetness. Its clean flavor and impeccably smooth texture earned it a Best of Class in its category at the 2025 USCCC, scoring an impressive 99.7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.laclarefamilycreamery.com\/product-page\/laclare-4-oz-original-goat-cheese-log\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"804\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Midnight-Moon-1024x804.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50320 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Midnight-Moon-1024x804.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Midnight-Moon-300x236.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Midnight-Moon-768x603.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Midnight-Moon-1536x1206.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Midnight-Moon-scaled.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cypressgrovecheese.com\/cheese\/aged-cheeses\/midnight-moon\/\"><strong>Midnight Moon<\/strong><br><\/a>Cypress Grove | <em>Arcata, California<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Midnight Moon is an aged goat\u2019s milk cheese that defies the stereotypical barnyard flavor of other goat\u2019s milk cheeses. It\u2019s aged for six months or more to develop its signature nuttiness, brown-butter richness, and caramelized finish akin to Alpine-style cheeses and goudas. Most recently, it captured Gold at the 2024\u20132025 WCA. Midnight Moon delivers depth, texture, and sophistication, showcasing goat milk\u2019s range of flavor when aged to perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goldbelly.com\/restaurants\/cypress-grove-cheese\/midnight-moon-cheese-wedges-4-pack?ref=merchant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/FFF_Single_Hero_Mountain_Top21784-1-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50313 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/FFF_Single_Hero_Mountain_Top21784-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/FFF_Single_Hero_Mountain_Top21784-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/FFF_Single_Hero_Mountain_Top21784-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/FFF_Single_Hero_Mountain_Top21784-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/FFF_Single_Hero_Mountain_Top21784-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/FFF_Single_Hero_Mountain_Top21784-1-scaled.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/FFF_Single_Hero_Mountain_Top21784-1-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/FFF_Single_Hero_Mountain_Top21784-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/FFF_Single_Hero_Mountain_Top21784-1-600x600.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fireflyfarms.com\/product\/mountain-top\/\"><strong>Mountain Top<\/strong><br><\/a>FireFly Farms | <em>Accident, Maryland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">From the misty ridges of Western Maryland, FireFly Farms crafts Mountain Top\u2014a soft-ripened, pyramid-shaped goat cheese that nods to French Valen\u00e7ay but speaks with an Appalachian accent. Its ash-coated rind blooms to a delicate ivory, cloaking a paste that transitions from fudgy in the center to lushly oozing near the edges. The flavor unfolds in layers: lemony brightness at first bite, a hint of mushroom and hay as it lingers, and a clean mineral finish. Sourced from local family dairies, each wheel reflects the terroir of the mid-Atlantic. Mountain Top claimed Third in its category at the 2025 ACS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/fireflyfarms.com\/product\/mountain-top\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- =================================================================== --><br \/>\n<!-- =================================================================== --><\/p>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\" id=\"Buffalo-Milk\">Buffalo Milk Cheeses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Written by Josie Krogh<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Baffalo-Blu-724x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50312 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Baffalo-Blu-724x1024.jpg 724w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Baffalo-Blu-212x300.jpg 212w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Baffalo-Blu-768x1086.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Baffalo-Blu-1086x1536.jpg 1086w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Baffalo-Blu-scaled.jpg 1131w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.formaggidefendi.com\/en\/cheese-range\/baffalo-blu\/\"><strong>Baffalo Blu<\/strong><br><\/a>Caseificio Defendi | <em>Lombardy, Italy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Baffalo Blu stands apart as one of the few blue cheeses made entirely from Italian buffalo milk. Crafted by Caseificio Defendi in Lombardy, its higher-fat milk yields a luxuriously fudgy texture and mellow, rounded flavor that softens the usual blue cheese bite. Aged in 13-pound cylinders for slow, even maturation, Baffalo Blu is a good balance of intensity and sweetness, earning international acclaim, including Gold at the 2024\u20132025 MQB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"939\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Kris-Lloyd_Buffalo-Feta2-e1767647198614-1024x939.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50311 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Kris-Lloyd_Buffalo-Feta2-e1767647198614-1024x939.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Kris-Lloyd_Buffalo-Feta2-e1767647198614-300x275.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Kris-Lloyd_Buffalo-Feta2-e1767647198614-768x705.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Kris-Lloyd_Buffalo-Feta2-e1767647198614.jpg 1163w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.woodsidecheesewrights.com\/collections\/kris-lloyd-artisan-range\/products\/buffalo-persian-feta\"><strong>Marinated Buffalo Cheese<\/strong><br><\/a>Kris Lloyd Artisan<em> | Adelaide Hills, South Australia<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Kris Lloyd Artisan, known for pushing boundaries\u2014ant-coated ch\u00e8vre, anyone?\u2014delivers another standout with marinated buffalo feta. Made with rich, high-fat buffalo milk, this cheese is velvety and creamy, rivaling traditional sheep\u2019s or goat\u2019s milk counterparts. After a two-week aging period, it\u2019s hand-cut and submerged in olive oil from Coriole Vineyards with fresh thyme and peppercorns, infusing each bite with herbal brightness and savory depth. This marinated cheese has earned widespread acclaim, including Gold at the 2024 WCA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/igourmet.com\/products\/buffalo-persian-feta-cheese?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\" id=\"best-mixed-milk-cheese\">Mixed-Milk Cheeses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Written by Josie Krogh<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"453\" height=\"493\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Seascape.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50306 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Seascape.jpg 453w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Seascape-276x300.jpg 276w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 453px) 100vw, 453px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/cheese-library\/Seascape-\">Seascape<\/a><\/strong><br>Central Coast Creamery | <em>Paso Robles, California<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Made from pasteurized cow\u2019s and goat\u2019s milk, Seascape has a mellow, buttery base with a clean, lightly tangy edge. This semi-hard wheel is slightly crumbly with a supple texture, and is firm enough to hold its shape while staying sliceable. It won Second in its category at the 2025 ACS, a reflection of its balance and popularity among mongers and everyday cheese lovers. Produced in Paso Robles, California, Seascape mirrors the region\u2019s vibe: approachable, friendly, and an easy favorite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/curedandcultivated.com\/products\/seascape-cow-goat?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"655\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Runnymeade-1024x655.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50307 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Runnymeade-1024x655.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Runnymeade-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Runnymeade-768x491.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Runnymeade-1536x982.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Runnymeade-scaled.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmatdoerun.com\/meetourcheeses.html\"><strong>Runnymede<\/strong><br><\/a>The Farm at Doe Run | <em>Coatesville, Pennsylvania<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Runnymede is a semi-hard, Italian mountain-style cheese made with thermized milk from the farm\u2019s herd of cows, sheep, and goats. A grana-style cheese with a natural rind, it develops rich flavors of cream, caramel, and toasted bread over time. The firm, versatile texture is excellent for cooking yet complex enough to enjoy on its own. Named after the nearby Runnymede Sanctuary Trust, it reflects the farm\u2019s commitment to conservation. The cheese took First in its category at the 2025 ACS, a nod to the careful craftsmanship and skill at The Farm at Doe Run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmatdoerun.com\/findourcheeses.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\"><em>** Very limited availability **<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"930\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-05-at-3.46.52-PM-930x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50308 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-05-at-3.46.52-PM-930x1024.png 930w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-05-at-3.46.52-PM-273x300.png 273w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-05-at-3.46.52-PM-768x845.png 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-05-at-3.46.52-PM.png 1350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 930px) 100vw, 930px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boxcarrhandmadecheese.com\/farmpickup\/cottonbell-1-jxgek\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cottonseed<\/a><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boxcarrhandmadecheese.com\/farmpickup\/cottonbell-1-jxgek\"><br><\/a>Boxcarr Handmade Cheese | <em>Cedar Grove, North Carolina<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Cottonseed is a soft-ripened robiola-style cheese from one of the few Southern cheesemakers on <em><strong>culture<\/strong><\/em>\u2019s Best Cheeses list. Boxcarr Handmade Cheese blends milk from its goats with local cow\u2019s milk, giving the cheese a gentle tang, savory nuttiness, and rounded creaminess. A thin, downy rind of <em>Penicillium candidum<\/em> develops delicate mushroom and mineral notes during its roughly 20-day maturation. Winning Second in its category at the 2025 ACS, this approachable, family-made cheese is a small, shining example of Southern craft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boxcarrhandmadecheese.com\/farmpickup\/cottonbell-1-jxgek\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Mobay-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50309 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Mobay-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Mobay-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Mobay-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Mobay-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Mobay-scaled.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsincheesemart.com\/products\/mobay?\">Mobay<\/a><\/strong><br>Carr Valley Cheese | <em>La Valle, Wisconsin<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">A Wisconsin take on a French classic, Mobay draws inspiration from Morbier\u2014the cow\u2019s milk cheese known for a line of ash running through its center\u2014but instead, Mobay comprises a layer of sheep\u2019s milk cheese and a layer of goat\u2019s milk cheese separated by grape vine ash. Crafted by Master Cheesemaker Sid Cook and aged a minimum of 120 days, the result is a visually striking and delightfully nuanced cheese. Mobay earned Best of Class in its category at the 2025 USCCC, cementing its place as a standout in Carr Valley Cheese\u2019s lineup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsincheesemart.com\/products\/mobay?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Buonasorte-Guffanti-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50310 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Buonasorte-Guffanti-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Buonasorte-Guffanti-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Buonasorte-Guffanti-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Buonasorte-Guffanti-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Buonasorte-Guffanti-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Buonasorte-Guffanti-scaled.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Buonasorte-Guffanti-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Buonasorte-Guffanti-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/culturecheesemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026BestCheeses_Buonasorte-Guffanti-600x600.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.guffantiformaggi.com\/en\/prodotti\/buonasorte-con-latte-di-bufala\/\"><strong>BuonaSorte con Latte di Bufala<\/strong><br><\/a>Luigi Guffanti | <em>Arona, Italy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">One of the newest additions to the Luigi Guffanti lineup, BuonaSorte con Latte di Bufala was first released in 2023 as a twist on the traditional 24-month cow\u2019s milk BuonaSorte. Made from raw cow\u2019s milk and at least 5 percent water buffalo milk (it varies each season due to limited availability) and aged for a minimum of 18 months in Guffanti\u2019s natural caves, this grana-style cheese develops a crystalline, flaky texture and a rich, sweet mouthfeel thanks to buffalo milk\u2019s high fat content. Its careful balance of flavor and texture earned this wheel Bronze at both the 2024 MQB and 2024\u20132025 WCA, showcasing Guffanti\u2019s tradition and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thecheeseshopinc.com\/product\/guffanti-buonasorte-di-bufala\/CGP3DFVKCQBSNHSMJQ3FQ5BV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>BUY HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The ultimate list of cheeses that should stay on your radar all year long Welcome to our Best Cheeses issue\u2014a curated selection of our favorite cheeses around the globe. Featured competitions include the 2025 American Cheese Society Judging &amp; Competition (ACS), the 2025 Good Food Awards (GFA), the 2025 Great Taste Awards (GTA), the 2024 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":114,"featured_media":50376,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"yes","footnotes":""},"categories":[27800],"tags":[],"coauthors":[33619,11769,34615,33807,34547],"class_list":["post-50255","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-awards"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.4 (Yoast SEO v24.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Best Cheeses of 2026: culture\u2019s Annual List | culture: the word on cheese<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The ultimate list of cheeses that should stay on your radar all year long Welcome to our Best Cheeses issue\u2014a curated selection of our favorite cheeses Welcome to our Best Cheeses issue\u2014a curated selection of our favorite cheeses around the globe. 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