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If you’re a cheese lover, listen up—there’s a new reigning champion in town, and it’s officially the best American-made cheese for the second year in a row. Introducing Europa, the 13-month-aged Gouda from Arethusa Farm Dairy, which just snagged the Best in Show title at the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest—the first-ever back-to-back winner in the competition’s 40-year history.
From Fashion to Farmhouse: The Story Behind Arethusa
Would you believe that some of America’s most fashionable cheese comes from the minds behind high-end footwear? Former Manolo Blahnik executives Anthony Yurgaitis and George Malkemus never planned on making cheese when they bought a historic farm in Litchfield County, Connecticut 15 years ago. At first, they just wanted to preserve open farmland. But soon, their interest in dairy grew—first with award-winning Holsteins, then bottling their own milk, and finally expanding into cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
Now, their cheese is making history. “It’s been the best in the country for the last two years and will be for the next two years,” says Chris Casiello, Arethusa’s plant manager (via Food & Wine).
What Makes Europa So Special?
Europa isn’t just any Gouda. It’s a 13-month-aged masterpiece, with a nutty umami flavor and subtle butterscotch notes that make it “super complex,” according to Casiello. Made with premium milk from Connecticut farms, aged in carefully controlled conditions, and crafted using time-honored cheesemaking traditions, it’s a true labor of love.
Among 2,414 entries, judged on flavor, texture, appearance, and taste, Europa stood out as the best. While Arethusa makes several award-winning cheeses—including Mt. Tom alpine cheese, Arethusa Blue, Crybaby Swiss, and Camembert—it’s Europa that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of both judges and cheese lovers alike.
A Cheese Worthy of Celebrities (and Your Next Charcuterie Board)
Arethusa’s farm and retail shops have long been a favorite escape for NYC weekenders, including none other than Martha Stewart. During a 2024 visit, she even filmed a segment for Martha Cooks featuring Arethusa’s cheesemaking process. “When Martha does something, she does it right,” Casiello says, noting that her visit required two weeks of prep and two weeks of follow-up work.
After winning in 2023, demand for Europa skyrocketed. “We made a ton of this cheese after we won,” Casiello says. Now, the farm has 1,000 wheels of Europa ready to sell, with another 1,400 wheels aging. You can find it at artisan cheese shops nationwide, Whole Foods, and select Big Y stores.
How to Get Your Hands on the No. 1 Cheese in America
With a second consecutive title under its belt, Arethusa expects Europa to fly off the shelves. “Our phone is going to be ringing off the hook,” Casiello says. If you want to taste the best cheese in America, now’s the time to grab a wedge—because once it’s gone, you’ll have to wait for the next batch to age.
So, next time you’re looking to upgrade your cheese board, melt the perfect grilled cheese, or just indulge in something exceptional, keep your eyes peeled for Arethusa’s Europa. With its rich, nutty complexity and a back-to-back championship win, it’s the cheese of the moment—and you don’t want to miss it.