Today's competition and record entry of 2,785 cheeses for the 2012 World Cheese Awards was first whittled down to 55 cheeses that qualified for the prestigious award of Super Gold. Among them were (hurrah!) three cheeses from American cheesemakers: Baetje Farms, Jasper Hill and Rogue Creamery, with the latter two (with Harbison and Rogue River Blue) making it through to the final round of judging of only sixteen cheeses.

Rogue Creamery also went on to win Best American Cheese, with David Gremmels present to receive the award (see picture).

The contingent of American cheesemakers together with Culture, received a very warm welcome from all those attending. Cheesemakers Andy Hatch from Uplands, Tim and Karri Welsh from Beehive, Andy Kehler from Jasper Hill and and David Gremmels from Rogue Creamery are all in the UK this week with Chris Gentine from Artisan Cheese Exchange and yours truly representing Culture. Aside from attending the Awards, this weeks sees numerous tastings of the American cheeses throughout southern England in an effort to introduce them to the UK marketplace.

There is already quite a buzz surrounding the US gang, so stay tuned for further updates.

In the meantime, here are a few photos from today.