TILLAMOOK, Ore. – Tillamook County Creamery Association received first place recognition for their Vintage White Extra Sharp Cheddar, Sharp Yellow Cheddar and Colby Jack at the 17th biennial United States Championship Cheese Contest® held in Green Bay, Wisconsin this week. Adding to their collection of first place titles and among heightened competition, all three cheeses were voted ‘America’s Best’ in their respective categories for superior taste and quality.
Naturally aged over two years, Tillamook Vintage White Extra Sharp Cheddar has a creamy, crumbling texture which pairs well with fruit and wine. Each batch of Tillamook Sharp Yellow Cheddar is aged for at least 9 months to perfect its sharp, bold taste. Tillamook Colby Jack is a veteran on the winners stand previously earning ‘America’s Best Colby Jack’ at the 2011 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest® and has a fresh and mild flavor. Tillamook products are made with only the highest quality milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones* and all their cheddars are naturally aged.
“Awards like these remind us why we work so hard to create consistent, quality products and it is an honor to receive such acknowledgement,” says Tillamook’s VP of Sales and Marketing, Jay Allison. “We are dedicated to fulfilling the increased demand from our consumers for the highest quality, best tasting cheese and that commitment is our driving force as our brand continues to grow.”
This year, the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest® had a record-breaking total of over 1,700 entries, up 100 from 2011. Out of a perfect score of 100, Tillamook Vintage White Extra Sharp Cheddar was voted ‘America’s Best’ receiving a 99.45 in the Aged 2 years or longer Cheddar Category. Tillamook Sharp Yellow Cheddar scored 98.65 earning ‘America’s Best’ in the 6 months to 1 year Sharp Cheddar Category. Tillamook Colby Jack was also voted ‘America’s Best’ with a 99.40 in the Marbled Curd Cheese Category.
Available for national distribution, Tillamook Cheese can be found in the dairy and deli cases at grocery stores across the country and comes in a variety of cuts and sizes. For more information on where you can purchase Tillamook’s award-winning cheese, visit Tillamook.com
About Tillamook County Creamery Association
Established in 1909, the Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) prides themselves on their commitment to providing families with the most consistent, best tasting, highest quality dairy products made in the most natural way possible. The farmer-owned cooperative is famously known for its award-winning, naturally aged cheddars and is quickly becoming one of the top dairy brands in the country. Tillamook offers a variety of cheese, ice cream, butter, sour cream and yogurt products.
* The FDA has stated that no significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rBST treated and non-rBST treated cows.
Source: Tillamook County Creamery Association