American Artisanal Cheeses

David Rosengarten maintains that America's artisanal cheesemakers haven't quite caught up with the greats of France, Spain, and Italy but says they're well on their way. After tasting his way through hundreds of cheeses from American artisanal cheesemakers here are some of his top picks:

Westfield Farm

28 Worcester Road

Hubbardston, MA 01452

877-777-3900 (tel)

978-928-5745 (fax)

www.chevre.com

David calls the Classic Blue Log made from goat's milk a "killer."

Bingham Hill

1716 Heath Parkway

Fort Collins, CO 80524

970-472-0702 (tel)

970-472-0622 (fax)

www.binghamhill.com

Go for their Angel's Feat washed-rind, sheep-milk cheese or the Sheepish Blue cheese.

Carr Valley

LaValle, WI

800.462.7258 (tel)

At the American Cheese Society's 2003 annual conference 616 cheeses were entered in the judging. Carr Valley took home a stunning 16 awards! David says the remarkable Benedictine is a must-try. Carr Valley may ultimately become most famous for their cheese "blends" - cheeses combining goat's milk, sheep's milk, and cow's milk.