Overview
- The winning wheel, aged 18 months and made by Bergkäserei Vorderfultigen in the Gantrisch pre-Alps, was hailed by judges as “perfect and unforgettable.”
- Jurors blind-tasted 5,244 cheeses from around 50 countries, with 265 judges from 40 nations including cheesemakers, chefs and journalists.
- Assessment emphasized rind and interior appearance, aroma, flavor balance and authenticity to origin, said chief juror Kuba Maziarczyk.
- Final-round judge Perry Wakeman described the flavor as butterscotch and caramel with spicy, fruity-earthy notes and a long, charcoal-like finish.
- Run by the Guild of Fine Food since 1988 to champion small producers, the awards were hosted in Switzerland for the first time, and maker Pius Hitz said he will not increase production to protect Gruyère’s market balance.