Since the 1980s, artisan cheesemaking has exploded in America. Today, there are more than 600 varieties of cheeses being made by more than 1,000 producers, and quality is world-class: In 2019, Rogue Creamery’s Rogue River Blue became the first U.S. cheese named Best in the World at the World Cheese Awards. At the 2022 event, the United States had a total of 133 winners: four Super Gold, 15 Gold, 40 Silver, and 74 Bronze awards. Time to visit your local cheesemonger.
But what to try first? Experts share a few places to start.
