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Celebrating Excellence in Cheese: Highlights from the American Cheese Society Awards 2026
- Kerry Jerred
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 32 minutes ago
Cheese lovers and artisans alike eagerly await the annual American Cheese Society (ACS) Awards, a prestigious event that honors the best in cheese making across the United States. The 2026 awards once again showcased remarkable craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication within the cheese community. This post explores the significance of the ACS Awards, highlights some standout cheeses from this year’s competition, and shares insights into what makes these cheeses exceptional.
What is the American Cheese Society?
The American Cheese Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the American cheese industry through education, networking, and advocacy. Founded in 1983, ACS has grown into a vital resource for cheesemakers, retailers, and enthusiasts. Their annual conference and awards program celebrate excellence in cheese production, encouraging quality and innovation.
The ACS Awards recognize cheeses across numerous categories, from traditional styles to creative new flavors. Winning an ACS award is a mark of distinction that can elevate a cheesemaker’s reputation and bring attention to their craft.
For more information about the American Cheese Society and their work, visit their official website: American Cheese Society.
Standout Cheeses from the 2026 ACS Awards
This year’s competition featured hundreds of entries, but a few cheeses stood out for their exceptional quality and unique characteristics. Here are three award-winning cheeses that deserve special attention:
Blakesville Creamery’s Artze – 2nd Best of Show
Blakesville Creamery impressed judges with their Artze, which earned 2nd Best of Show. Artze is a bloomy-rind sheep's milk cheese crowned with a snowy Geotrichum candidum rind that wrinkles delicately as it ages, and finished with a dusting of Piment d'Espelette—a smoky, fruity, mildly warm chili powder from the French Basque region. Beneath the rind lies a dense, spoonable paste with an oozy creamline, delivering a rich, creamy, milky flavor with a tangy finish and subtle notes of brioche. The cheese is crafted from pasteurized sheep's milk sourced from Ms. J & Co. in Juda, Wisconsin, whose herd produces exceptionally rich, high-butterfat milk that gives Artze its signature decadence.
Blakesville Creamery’s dedication to traditional methods and high-quality milk shines through in Artze. The cheese’s rind is carefully washed during aging to develop its distinctive aroma and flavor, a process that requires skill and patience. Available at France 44
Urban Stead Cheeses’ ‘Nati Gouda – 3rd Best of Show
Urban Stead Cheeses’ ‘Nati Gouda took home 3rd Best of Show, highlighting the growing popularity of Gouda-style cheeses in the American artisan scene. This cheese features a smooth, firm texture with a nutty, caramel-like flavor that deepens with age.
‘Nati Gouda is crafted using traditional Dutch techniques combined with local milk, resulting in a cheese that honors its heritage while showcasing regional terroir. Its approachable flavor makes it a favorite for snacking, melting, or pairing with wines and beers. Available at France 44
Point Reyes Cheese Co’s TomaRashi – 1st in American Originals: Flavor Added
Point Reyes Cheese Co earned top honors in the American Originals category for their TomaRashi, a cheese infused with bold flavors. TomaRashi blends the creamy texture of traditional Toma cheese with a spicy kick from added Togarashi.
This innovative cheese reflects Point Reyes’ commitment to pushing boundaries while respecting cheesemaking traditions. The balance of heat and creaminess offers a unique tasting experience that appeals to adventurous cheese lovers. Widely available!
Bite: TomaRashi, fresh ripe garden tomato, Stonefire Naan
What Makes These Cheeses Exceptional?
Each of these cheeses stands out not only for taste but also for the story behind their creation:
Craftsmanship: All three cheeses are made with attention to detail, from milk selection to aging conditions.
Innovation: TomaRashi’s flavor addition and ‘Nati Gouda’s blend of tradition and local influence show how cheesemakers experiment while honoring roots.
Terroir: The local environment and milk quality contribute to the distinct profiles of these cheeses.
Recognition: Winning at the ACS Awards signals quality and helps these producers reach wider audiences.
Why the ACS Awards Matter
The ACS Awards do more than celebrate individual cheeses. They:
Encourage high standards in cheesemaking
Promote diversity in cheese styles and flavors
Support small and medium-sized producers
Educate consumers about artisan cheese
For cheese enthusiasts, the awards offer a trusted guide to discovering new favorites. For producers, they provide motivation and validation.
Cheese lovers looking to explore these award-winning cheeses can visit the producers’ websites linked above to find retailers or order directly. Sampling these cheeses offers a taste of the passion and skill that define the American artisan cheese community.
The American Cheese Society Awards 2026 highlighted the best of what American cheesemakers offer. From the creamy richness of Atrze to the nutty depth of ‘Nati Gouda and the bold innovation of TomaRashi, these cheeses represent the vibrant and evolving world of cheese in the United States.
Whether you are a seasoned cheese connoisseur or just beginning to explore artisan cheeses, these award winners provide excellent examples of quality and creativity worth seeking out. Keep an eye on future ACS Awards to discover more outstanding cheeses that push the boundaries of flavor and craftsmanship.
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