(Updated January 4, 2020 – I created another youtube video that includes pictures from an event where RRB was the “star” of the evening. You can view it here.)
I remember 2009, the first time I tasted Rogue River Blue, a couple of months following its first ACS Best of Show win. (RRB would win again in 2011.) I remember the excitement I felt at the opportunity to taste and share such an outstanding American Artisan Cheese. Some memories are permanent: the creaminess; the notes of hazelnut and chocolate remain in my brain – I can still “taste” it today… one of my favorite cheese moments.
Full disclosure, David Gremmels, Owner of Rogue Creamery, has been one of my biggest supporters throughout my cheese career. I have had dinner at his home in Southern Oregon, spent a day “making cheese” at the Creamery and even shooting the rapids on the Rogue River with him. In 2017, David nominated me for membership in the Guilde Internationale des Fromagers… so… suffice it to say, anything related to Rogue Creamery has a special place in my heart.
But, I am hardly a member of a small fan club. October 19, 2019, at the World Cheese Awards in Bergamo, Italy, Rogue River Blue was named the Grand Champion out of 3084 cheeses in the competition. Or as we like to say “World’s Best Cheese”. And as if “World’s Best Cheese” wasn’t enough of an achievement, Rogue River Blue became the first American Cheese to win this prestigious award. And as it that weren’t enough… it scored a perfect 100 points. Janet Fletcher spoke with David and you can read excerpts from the interview here.
A selection of Rogue Creamery cheeses can be purchased online here.
Rogue River Blue is now available throughout the US, select cheese shops in the UK and EU Nations but you had better hurry to your favorite cheese shop quickly because it is sure to sellout. Everyone who loves cheese wants to taste the “World’s Best Cheese”.
If you live in NE Georgia, you can taste it this coming Saturday (11/23) at Blue Haven Bee in Canon, Georgia. I have one wheel to share with you on cheese plates that we are pairing with Southern Origin’s Hibiscus Mead. I will serve it with 34 Degrees Natural Crisps and Blue Haven Bee Sourwood. The plate and pairing will be $20. And your purchase will automatically enter you into a drawing to win a 6 ounce wedge to take home and share with family and friends (or not…) Join us on the patio from 11am to 5pm. And Random Acts will be providing live music in the afternoon.
I will not be “reviewing” Rogue River Blue… there’s only one thing to say… it’s the 2019 “World’s Best Cheese” – come and “review” it for yourself… you won’t be disappointed…
Finally, my friend Dawn recently returned from London with five cheeses from Neal’s Yard Dairy. I gave her cash and a list of cheeses rarely, if ever, available in the US. I will be raffling a platter of these five cheeses on 11/25 for your Thanksgiving events. Serves 4-6 persons. (Cheeses on board: Hafod, Riseley, St. Jude, Berkswell and Stichtelton.) Tickets are $5 for 1 and $10 for 3. You can purchase tickets at Sweet Combs of Honey on 11/21 (5pm to 6pm) and 11/22 (5pm to 830pm) and at Blue Haven on 11/23 (11am to 5pm). Free delivery if you live within 20 miles of Lavonia or pickup only. You can also call me to arrange purchase in Lavonia this week 360 921 9908. Includes wooden cheese board. $250 value.
You can now purchase my small-batch pepper cheese spreads at Blue Haven Bee. Current flavors available: Manchego/Cheddar, Jarlsberg Tapenade, Creamy Cheddar and Spicy Creamy Cheddar. $5 and $10.
Order your holiday platters now. Available starting at $50. 3 days advance order necessary. Call me at 360 921 9908 or email me at marcellathecheesemonger (@) gmail.com.
In addition to being an American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional, I am a Certified ServSafe Food Production Manager with certifications that 
also include ServSafe Certified Instructor and Proctor. I am available for cheese events, cheese program development, cheese training, food safety training and 3rd party food safety auditing. See my About Me and Resume pages for more details or call me at 360 921 9908 to discuss availability.
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