Wisconsin Agriculture Food+Drink
Marieke Gouda Leads Wisconsin Cheesemakers at World Cheese Awards
Wisconsin accounted for 25% of all awards at the global competition in October
McKenna Scherer, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
Multi-award-winning Wisconsin cheesemaker Marieke Penterman’s Marieke Gouda was the star among U.S. competitors at the World Cheese Awards in Norway this October. Overall, Wisconsin cheesemakers brought home 25% of all awards presented at the World Cheese Awards, according to a recent media release.
The Thorp-based cheesemaker and Dutch immigrant was one of seven winners from Wisconsin, and brought home the most awards of any stateside cheese producer, pulling away with 12 ranking goudas. Of the 12 winning varieties, one was rated gold (Marieke Gouda Hatch Pepper), four were rated silver (Marieke Gouda Overjarige, Marieke Gouda Super 18-24 months, Marieke Gouda Smoked, Marieke Gouda Aged 9-12 months), and seven were rated bronze (Marieke Gouda Belegen 4-6 months, Marieke Gouda Young 2-4 months, Marieke Gouda Truffle, Marieke Gouda Reserve, Marieke Golden Overjarige, Marieke Gouda Smoked Cumin, and Marieke Gouda Mature 6-9 months).
Other winning Wisconsin cheese producers include The Artisan Cheese Exchange, Sartori Company, Schuman Cheese, Carr Valley Cheese Co., Widmer’s Cheese Cellars, and Hoard’s Dairyman Farm Creamery.
The global event brought in 4,000 cheeses from more than 40 countries this year, drawing together cheesemakers, retailers, buyers, and food commentators from around the world. Judging is done in groups of three – the judging panel is made up of technical experts, buyers, retailers, and food writers – and takes into account the rind and body of the cheese, its color, texture, consistency, and above all, its taste.
For a taste of Marieke Gouda, head to House of Gouda (4008 Commonwealth Ave., Eau Claire), Marieke Gouda’s charcuterie-focused storefront, or to Café DUTCHess located next to the Penterman farm (200 W. Liberty Drive, Thorp).
