The biggest 'cheese-only' competition in the world received a record-breaking 4,434 entries from 42 countries, as artisan cheeses were delivered by boat, truck, train and plane.
The entries were blind-tasted by the most astute palates of cheese experts, food writers and buyers to determine if they were worthy of a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Super Gold award.
Rising to the top of the 4,000 entries, Ticklemore's Devon Blue from Totnes came eighth in the world, outperforming each and every every other blue cheese, securing a phenomenal Super Gold status. This is a clear signal for an outstanding cheese that has met rigorous judging criteria for a flawless product.
Sharpham Dairy won Gold for its Ticklemore cheese, which is a goat's milk cheese with a firm flinty texture featuring hints of lemon and herbs. Also, their Camembert cheese created to celebrate Sharpham Dairy's 40th anniversary last year, won a Silver award.
Sharpham Dairy's Ticklemore also recently won its category of 'Best Hard Cheese' in the Great British Food Awards, which represent the very best of modern British foods. The category was judged by Adrian Boswell, the Senior Buyer of Fresh Food at Selfridges.
Greg Parsons from Sharpham Dairy says, “All of these awards are testament to the hard work and dedication which goes into making our high-quality products. From the farmers who care for our cows and goats, to the drivers who deliver our products and everyone else in between. World Cheese Awards receive thousands of entries from every corner of the globe, so to achieve recognition for our quality products is high praise indeed.”
In mid-Devon, Quicke's Cheese achieved five accolades at the World Cheese Awards for their cheddars, including Silver for Lady Prue Clothbound Cheese, Elderflower Clothbound Cheese and Buttery Clothbound Cheddar.
Proudly creating slow-food, Quicke's herds graze on land nurtured by the Quicke family for in excess of half a millennia.
The truckles of cheese are bound in cloth and left to mature for months or even years in some instances. Their cheddar recipes go back generations and the secret to such a complex flavour is their precious starter which has been slowly developing for over half a century.
Mary Quicke MBE says, “We're delighted to return with such high recognition for five of our cheeses and for Devon to shine so brightly. The World Cheese Awards unites our industry in celebrating the full spectrum of flavours, textures and colours. The alchemy of transforming milk into cheese never ceases to amaze me, which is why working with such an alive product is a genuine thrill.”
John Farrand, who is the MD of the Guild of Fine Food, organisers of the World Cheese Awards, said: "What a finale! This year's World Cheese Awards has been a fantastic and huge success and Wales has been the perfect canvas for this colourful event."
A selection box from Devon's finest cheese-makers is available to order. The Essential Devon Cheese Board features five artisan cheeses, including:
Sharpham Brie
Quicke's Mature Cheddar
Ticklemore Devon Blue
Plus a 'Grader's Choice' from both Sharpham and Quickes
Customers will receive five pieces (circa 300g each) of artisan cheese individually wrapped along with tasting notes for each, all boxed up and ready to go.
The Essential Devon Cheese Board costs £25 and is available for home delivery from www.sharphamcheese.co.uk.
This sounds like an excellent Christmas gift for the dedicated foodies in your life. And also for your own Christmas cheeseboard.
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