09/19/2026
Moose Woodcraft has had the honor of creating the award charcuterie boards for the Festival for the past several years.
September 13 was the 10th anniversary of the festival held in Pittsfield! Thirty two cheesemakers from across Maine joined craftspeople, food and beverage trucks, musicians and demonstrations throughout the day.
More than 100 cheeses were entered into competition for the best artisan cheese in Maine!
And the winner of the best artisan cheese in Maine is...
Haymay Creamery (Farmington) — Pudge, ‘Best in Show’ & First Place in Washed Rind Category! Pudge is best described as a washed-rind cheese with a tender texture and gentle, funky character.
Other winners and categories:
Spring Day Creamery (Durham) — Two first-place awards this year-Evangeline and Spring Day Blues,
Evangeline, first place in the Bloomy Rind category. A two- to three-week aged cheese. Spring Day Blues won first place in the Blue Cheese category. This blue-veined cheese with a natural rind has been years in the making.
Fredrikson Farm (China)— Plain Chevre, Fresh Cheese: Soft & Spreadable
First place -Plain Chevre, an original goat cheese known for its versatility and equally suited to recipes, entertaining, or simply spreading on a favorite snack.
Narrow Gate Creamery (Dover-Foxcroft) — Landholder, Fresh Cheese: Firm
Top honors for Landholder, a fresh cheese that is lightly heated and pressed to create a semi-firm texture and mild flavor.
Three Charm Farm (Alfred)— Feta, Brined Cheese
First place for their Feta, a dense yet creamy cheese with a mild tang and light salt-brine finish.
Fuzzy Udder Creamery (Whitefield)— Landslide Reserve, Washed Curd
First place with Landslide Reserve, an aged, Gouda-style artisanal cheese showcasing the creamery’s approach to handcrafted cheese production.
Crooked Face Creamery (Skowhegan)— Butterkäse, Aged Pressed Curd
Earned top honors for Butterkäse, meaning “butter cheese,” known for its rich, buttery character, subtle tang, and savory finish.
Josh Pond Farm (Whiting) — Meddybemps, Mountain/Alpine Cheese
First place with Meddybemps, a hard, Alpine-style cheese featuring aromas of roasted hazelnuts, butter, and vegetable broth.
Pumpkin Vine Family Farm (Somerville)— Tuscan, Flavored Cheese
First place for Tuscan, a creamy goat cheese marinated in a Tuscan-blend olive oil and infused with fragrant basil, garlic, and rosemary.
For more information about the cheese festival and the Maine Cheese Guild, visit its website: www.mainecheeseguild.org/
Also, be sure to visit our website for great gifts, decore and more!
www.greatmoosewoodcraft.com
