US cheese expert Lassa Skinner was called over for the national dairy competition. Photo / Doug Cole
US cheese expert Lassa Skinner was called over for the national dairy competition. Photo / Doug Cole
The "Dutchies" have again dominated the New Zealand Cheese Awards, taking out first place in all three main prizes in this year's competition.
For the third year in a row Dutch cheesemakers - self-titled "Dutchies"- have been named number one with master judge Russell Smith saying the style is "as good as it gets anywhere in the world".
Lassa Skinner from Culture magazine in the US with master judge Russell Smith.
Photo / Doug Cole
The Countdown Champion of Champions Cheese Award for large cheese producers was won by a Bay of Islands based Dutchie, Very Old Edam by Mahoe Farmhouse Cheese, crowned the darling of dairy during a gala dinner The Langham in Auckland last night.
"This cheese exhibits the best characters of its class. The flavour just lingers and lingers on the palate finishing with hints of apricot," Smith said.
Cheese connoisseur Smith he had always regarded Dutch-style cheese made in New Zealand as world-class.
"One of the most striking things about specialty New Zealand cheese is the exceptional quality of Dutch-style cheese," he said.
"The continuity of Dutch families making cheese in New Zealand has, without doubt, resulted in world-class cheese being produced year after year."
Over 470 specialty cheeses entered this year's awards. For the first time the competition included categories for yoghurts and butters. Clevedon Valley Buffalo Company picked up the first ever Green Valley Dairies Champion Yoghurt Award for its Buffalo Boysenberry Yoghurt. Lewis Road Creamery took home the Food for Chef's Champion Butter Award for its Premium Butter, lightly salted.
Photo / Doug Cole
Over 30 experienced dairy connoisseurs, including top international critics, made up the judging panel.
Photo / Doug Cole
• Sample the award-winning cheeses and meet the cheesemakers at MiNDFOOD CheeseFest at The Langham, on Wednesday March 18th, from 5pm to 8:30pm. Tickets are available for $30 per person at www.eventfinder.co.nz or $35 at the door.
