Top cheese in United States crowned

GREEN BAY - There is a new champion in cheese.

During the past two days, 38 judges weeded out a field of more than 1,700 cheeses from across the country. On Wednesday, it came down to the final 16.

The winner of the best cheese in the country is an Aged Gouda from Holland's Family Cheese in Thorp, Wis. The company was the only one to have two cheeses make the top 16.

Wisconsin was well represented, with 13 of the top 16 coming from the Badger State.

The United States Championship of Cheeses Contest happens every two years. Judging is primarily based on flavor and body of the cheese. Entries came from 30 states.

• Photos: Judging championship cheeses
• Click here to see a list of entrants

This year's winner was shocked to hear her cheese announced as the best.

“I can't believe it,” said Marieke Penterman, the owner of Holland’s Family Cheese. “I have to sleep a night about it because there's so many good cheeses and that they picked our cheese is beyond belief, yeah.”

From our area, Bel Gioioso Cheese in Green Bay and Agropur in Luxemburg had cheeses in the final 16.

Tickets were sold for the event with proceeds benefiting Paul's Pantry.