Are you tired of the same old cheddar? Well, it's time to elevate your cheese game! The World Cheese Awards recently crowned the stunning Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado as the best cheese for 2024, setting a new standard for cheese lovers everywhere. This soft, raw ewes' milk cheese, produced by a small team at Quinta do Pomar in Soalheira, Portugal, tantalized judges and will surely amaze your taste buds!

Record-Breaking Cheese Awards

In what has become the largest edition of the World Cheese Awards since its inception in 1988, a record-breaking 4,786 cheeses from 47 countries converged in the picturesque city of Viseu, Portugal. A panel of 240 experts meticulously judged each entry, ultimately deeming Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado the golden victor among 14 finalists, which included a formidable line-up of Swiss cheeses, and other international contenders from Brazil, the USA, Norway, Italy, Germany, and Spain.

A Unique Flavor Experience

This luscious cheese boasts a vegetarian rennet made from thistles and is distinguished by its gooey texture and glossy appearance. Its flavor profile is described as a harmonious blend of buttery richness and herby bitterness, making it a sublime choice for your next cheese board. The traditional serving method involves slicing off the top and spooning out the deliciously creamy center — perfect for sharing!

The Atmosphere at the Awards

Portuguese cheese exporter Manuel Maia hails it as “a fantastic cheese” with a balance of protein and fat, truly a treat for the senses. The award ceremony itself is a spectacle, and the atmosphere at Viseu's Pavilhão Multiusos is electric, filled with the intense aromas of thousands of cheeses piled high on 104 tables where judges sniff, taste, and compare.

Challenges and Inclusivity in Cheese Making

The journey to this prestigious award wasn’t without its challenges. To ensure that small producers could enter their masterpieces, 20 collection points were established worldwide, spanning countries like India, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, and Ukraine. The rich diversity of entries reflects the global cheese community and celebrates the art of cheese-making.

A Fair Judging Process

Interestingly, past contests have often seen local cheeses win, raising speculation about the so-called “home advantage”. However, Farrand, the managing director of The Guild of Fine Food, asserts that all entries are judged blindly and that there have been numerous instances of cheeses from various countries claiming the ultimate prize.

Judging Criteria and Past Winners

Judging criteria were comprehensive, assessing appearance, feel, smell, taste, and texture, with finalists receiving bronze, silver, gold, and super gold designations. Last year's winner was Nidelven Blå from Norway, a creamy blue cheese that delighted judges and cheese enthusiasts alike.

The Importance of Cheese Competitions

While there are other international cheese competitions, the World Cheese Awards proudly claims to be the largest event of its kind. With hopes of expanding its reach beyond Europe in future years, the awards not only highlight the exceptional quality of cheeses but also act as a vital support system for small producers.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Cheese

As the world of cheese continues to evolve and flourish, the recognition from such prestigious competitions can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving for cheesemakers. If you're a cheese lover, mark Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado on your list — it's a taste of Portugal you won't want to miss!