American Cheese

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Joe Berkowitz loves cheese, or so he thought until he discovered an artisanal tasting at an upscale shop on Valentine's Day. The cheeses he tasted were unlike anything he had ever experienced—intensely flavorful and uniquely American. This revelation ignited a passion that led him on an extraordinary year-long adventure into the world of artisan cheese. He immersed himself in the subculture surrounding cheese, engaging with premier makers, mongers, cave-dwelling affineurs, dairy scientists, and restaurateurs. His exploration took him from the underground cheese caves of Paris to the mountains of Gruyere, as he sought to understand cheese’s role in society. As Joe transitioned from amateur to aficionado, his journey paralleled the rise of American cheese on the global stage. He joined Team USA at an international mongering competition and experimented with cheese-making at the Dairy Research Center in Wisconsin. Along the way, he encountered passionate cheesemakers, including one preparing for a major event at the World Cheese Awards. Through this odyssey, Berkowitz uncovers a vibrant culture dedicated to cheese and the profound impact of this beloved dairy product.