Every year, The Guild of Fine Food awards what could be called the Oscars of the cheese world. the These are the World Cheese Awards, a competition that selects the best cheese in the world and a list of finalists. This year's edition, held in the Portuguese city of Viseu, saw two Spanish cheeses among the 14 finalists.
With 84 points, La Cava Barus García-Baquero came just two points shy of victory. Produced by Lácteas García-Baquero (Ciudad Real, Castile-La Mancha), this pressed cheese is made from unpasteurized cow, ewe, and goat milk. Meanwhile, Valleclaro by Quesos y Besos, made from pasteurized milk of Málaga goat breeds, scored 77 points. This cheese, lactic in style and coated with olive stone ash, is crafted in Jaén (Andalusia).