World Cheese Championship Contest

Every other year the WCCC is held in Madison, WI. A few of us from Chicago drove out last week to see what it's all about.

The competition has 2000+ cheeses from around the world which was interesting to experience, but my favorite thing was the event that Jeanne Carpenter of Wisconsin Cheese Originals had put together. On the outer ring, were a few select cheeses from around the world, and in the center of the room were tables filled with Wisconsin cheeses.

Chicago is so close to WI, but there are a lot of cheeses we don't see on this side of the border. This celebration was a great opportunity to meet up with some cheesemakers and taste some fabulous cheeses. One cheese that we don't get in the Windy City was the Reserve Bandaged Cave Aged Cheddar from Bleu Mont Dairy. Aged for three years in a cave where the temperature doesn't vary more than six degrees all year round gives this cheese a complex flavor profile that is absolutely addicting.

If you find yourself in Madison at the Dane County farmer's market, look for the Bleu Mont Dairy stand. It's one of the few places you'll be able to find Willi's cheeses.

Did I mention that the man can yodel? -AA