It’s cheese awards season and we’re excited to share details of three very different competitions taking place in June. Whilst the judging at these awards is left in the hands and accomplished senses of industry experts, there are still ways for you to experience the artistry of these cheesemakers, cheesemongers and affineurs – all of whom have spent many hours in the past months and years honing their skills in preparation. Read on for details of these and more cheese events taking place this June, and don’t forget to check out all the other courses and events in the Academy calendar.
1. Affineur of the Year 2024
Some call it a competition, others call it an experiment. Whichever it is, please join us for the third installment, showcasing the wonders of cheese maturation and affinage! Watch live as competitors from around the UK reveal four re-imagined iconic British cheeses in the presence of their makers, whilst our stellar line up of industry experts score them in a bid to unveil this year’s Affineur of the Year.
2. Cheese 101 with The CheeseBoard
Explore the world of cheese in this relaxed educational workshop. You get to meet and taste cheese from each of the different families. Learning about what makes them unique gives you a head start in preparing the perfect cheese platter.
3. The Cheesemonger Invitational
Get yourself along to this all-you-can-eat event designed not only to discover the best cheesemonger in the USA, but also the best artisan cheeses from around the globe. Watch as competing mongers take to the stage for the finals of this unique competition that showcases their technical skills, encyclopedic knowledge and passionate salesmanship. You will see things with cheese you have never seen before … and eat your way through all of it!
4. Love Cheese Live/International Cheese & Dairy Awards
The ICDAs take place on the 27th June and this is your chance to experience the excitement and anticipation on a tour of the awards hall, as part of Love Cheese Live – one of the largest cheese and foodie festivals in the UK. Get ready to understand the meticulous judging process, where experienced palates carefully assess each entry, evaluating its quality, craftsmanship, and unique characteristics.
You can also see your favourite celebrity chefs cooking LIVE. Sample and enjoy delicious food, wander through hundreds of artisan producers and test your skills with hands-on workshops.
5. Partout Fromage Level One Cheese Course
Join Galina Danard live on this virtual Level One course for an introduction to the universe of cheese. You’ll learn the basics of cheese making, cheese aging, and cheese pairing. You’ll discuss the principles of cheese service and cheese tasting, whilst getting acquainted with the Structured Approach to Tasting Cheese, created by the Academy of Cheese.
The course will consist of two interactive live webinars spanning a total of 6 hours, with one session exclusively dedicated to cheese tasting.
