Artikaas is proud to announce that Artikaas Smoked Jalapeño Gouda has been awarded Gold / Best of Class at the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest, earning an outstanding score of 99.13 in the Pasteurized Process Cheese Product category.
Hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, the World Championship Cheese Contest is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious dairy competitions in the world. Held biennially since 1957, the contest brings together thousands of entries from cheesemakers around the globe for rigorous technical judging by international panels of expert graders and industry professionals.
Smoked naturally over beechwood, Artikaas Smoked Jalapeño Gouda combines the smooth, creamy character of traditional Dutch Gouda with a gentle smoky depth and the balanced heat of jalapeño peppers. The result is a bold yet approachable cheese that melts beautifully and adds a flavorful kick to sandwiches, burgers, cheese boards, and hot dishes.
The award-winning cheese is available in 6 oz pre-cut wedges, a 6 lb log, and 7 oz sliced packs for convenient retail use.
In addition to this Best of Class win, several other Artikaas cheeses earned strong placements in competitive categories:
- Artikaas Youngsters Hickory Smoked Gouda placed 5th in the Smoked Gouda category with a score of 97.3
- Artikaas Vintage Lot 18 Month Gouda placed 4th in the Gouda Extra Aged category with a score of 99.525
- Artikaas Vintage Lot 36 Month Gouda placed 5th in the Gouda Extra Aged category with a score of 99.41
These results highlight the continued excellence of Artikaas cheeses, crafted in the Netherlands using traditional methods and high-quality milk from family farms. With a growing list of international accolades, Artikaas continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the most awarded Gouda brands available today!
For more on our cheese, visit our product page here or check out our brand video.