Virtual Cheese Awards back for third year

The Virtual Cheese Awards, which was set up during the first year of the covid pandemic, will broadcast the final live on May 13. Classes range from Best British Stilton to Best British Cheddar. Entries close on March 20, 2022.

The Virtual Cheese Awards has an open and transparent judging process, which is all shared online. Its panel of cheese judges offer valuable and thoughtful feedback on every single cheese.

 Sarah de Wit, co-founder of the Virtual Cheese Awards, said, “Knowledge is power and for the British cheese industry to continue thriving, we need to arm producers with solid, informed feedback on their products. Cheesemakers pour their hearts into carefully crafting, maturing and testing their cheese so it can be frustrating to be left in the dark when the cheeses are entered into awards.​

“The Virtual Cheese Awards aim to lift-the-lid on the secret world of judging as well as showcase the immense amount of creativity in our amazing British cheese industry. Whether its brand-new cheeses, classic British territorials and cheddars, twists on traditional or continental styles or great examples of British handmade artisan cheese, we want to celebrate them all​.”

The 2021 Best British Cheese was awarded to a Spanish-inspired fresh cow’s milk cheese, La Fresca Margarita, produced by Somerset-based Fetham’s Farm.

Joint silver was awarded to Harvey & Brockless by Cellar Dairy for its goats’ cheese Blanche and Butler’s Farmhouse Cheeses for its oak-fired Red Leicester Smouldering Ember. Wyke Farms was awarded bronze with its Ivy’s Reserve Vintage Cheddar.