Members of the cheese community know that you don’t have to travel far to discover extraordinary flavors. The International Cheese and Dairy Awards 2021, staged in Nantwich, United Kingdom, crowned a remarkable product from a European retailer as the world’s top cheese. The winning cheese, an elegant Old Sheep’s Cheese La Reserva, was priced around 3.69 euros, making premium quality accessible to many shoppers. The accolade highlights how value and craftsmanship can meet in a single bite, inviting curious palates to explore a tradition of artisanal dairy producing that travels well with the times. This is more than a prize; it’s a signal of regional dairy prowess reaching a global audience. [Citation: International Cheese and Dairy Awards, 2021]
The Old Sheep’s Cheese La Reserva is crafted from raw sheep’s milk and is preserved in a way that does not involve pasteurization. This approach is chosen to honor traditional methods and to preserve distinctive flavors and aromas typical of premium sheep milk. In nutritional terms, the cheese offers a balanced profile with a modest fat content alongside a restrained sugar level, making it a candidate for well-rounded eating plans. Its price point of 3.69 euros further underscores that high-quality dairy can be both flavorful and affordable for everyday enjoyment. [Citation: International Cheese and Dairy Awards, 2021]
This golden prize was earned by a cheese that embodies the craft of small-scale sheep dairies. The production emphasizes the use of raw milk and careful aging, factors that connoisseurs associate with depth and nuance in texture and taste. The recognition by judges in Nantwich speaks to a long-standing commitment to quality within the sector and demonstrates how traditional techniques can compete on an international stage. The award also serves as an endorsement for producers who value terroir and time-honored stewardship of sheep herds. [Citation: National Sheep Association; International Cheese and Dairy Awards, 2021]
In addition to La Reserva, other entries from the same retail network performed well in the same competition. A variety named Reserva Tostado Viejo and another blend called Mezcla Curado each earned standout placements across separate categories, illustrating the breadth of dairy innovation present in the supplier’s catalog. The overall results reinforce the idea that a single retailer can offer multiple cheeses that resonate with judges around the world, reflecting both heritage and modern production practices. [Citation: International Cheese and Dairy Awards, 2021]
One of the lesser-known but equally intriguing discoveries from the event is the potato cheese croquette, highlighted as a creative interpretation within the broader recipe family. This version showcases how traditional dairy ingredients can be reimagined into new forms, expanding the reach of cheese-based dishes beyond their conventional presentations. The collaboration between harvests, technique, and culinary imagination creates a recipe family that continues to evolve while honoring its roots. [Citation: International Cheese and Dairy Awards, 2021]