Goot Essa, the Amish-owned Pennsylvania dairy farm producing artisanal European-style cheeses, has won First Place for its Felsa Yehr in the category of American Made/International Style Made From Sheep’s Milk at the 2025 American Cheese Society Judging and Competition. The Competition, a technical and aesthetic evaluation of American-made cheeses, was held June 9-13, 2025, at the Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus and the results were announced on July 24, 2025. Goot Essa was recognized by judges for excellence among 1,588 products from 211 entering companies.
Felsa Yehr Cheese is Goot Essa’s Swiss-German take on a cave-aged Manchego, with grass and grape undertones. Cave aging this sheep milk cheese for 18 months gives this cheese a complex, blend of earth flavors. Felsa Yehr is a firm cheese, yet offers and unexpectedly smooth texture.
“We make our cheeses the way our grandparents might’ve—by hand, in small batches, with milk from animals who are cared for by people we trust. It’s very validating for us that the American Cheese Society has recognized our efforts in producing Felsa Yehr,” said Goot Essa founder and owner John Esh.
About American Cheese Society Judging and Competition
The ACS Competition shines the spotlight on American cheesemakers by showcasing their talents and work as leaders within the industry, both for their excellent cheesemaking and commitment to food safety. ACS celebrates and respects the craft of every cheesemaker who enters the ACS Judging & Competition. It is the ACS members’ efforts that continue to collectively advance the quality and character of American cheeses.
About Goot Essa
Goot Essa began producing handcrafted, European-style cheese in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country in 2001. Goot Essa dairy farmers work their fields in the traditional way – with horses and manpower – instead of machines. The farms are small, allowing each acre and animal to be cared for with love and respect for nature. Goot Essa’s small-batch approach to cheesemaking ensures their products are flavorful, fresh from the farm.
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