Four FireFly Farms cheeses were honored at the American Cheese Society’s 2026 Judging & Competition. MountainTop took first place in its category, our brand-new Feta took second, and Cave Dweller and Carpenter’s Wheel each placed third.

MountainTop: First Place

MountainTop is FireFly’s most awarded cheese, and this is its third ACS first place since it debuted with a blue ribbon in 2002. It looks like an ash-coated pyramid, but the dark layer under its bloomy rind is actually blue mold. That’s why we call it “the gateway blue.” Read the story behind the rind.

Feta: Second Place in its first year

Our Feta was released at the start of 2026, so placing at ACS in its very first year is a proud moment for the whole team. This whey-brined cow’s milk feta strikes the perfect balance between crumbly and creamy, with notes of fresh yogurt. Pair it with oil-cured olives, or drizzle it with olive oil and top with cracked black pepper.

Cave Dweller: Third Place

Cave Dweller placed third in its category. Our premier Italian-style cheese takes its own sweet time: eight to twelve months to develop its sweet and sharp flavor. Made similarly to Parmesan, its curd is cooked as it sets, so it grows denser, nuttier and more complex with each passing day.

Carpenter’s Wheel: Third Place

Carpenter’s Wheel is made here at FireFly Farms and aged by our partners at Murray’s Cheese Caves in New York. This ribbon belongs to both teams. (More on our partnership with Murray’s.)

Here’s a fun fact: Cave Dweller and Carpenter’s Wheel start their lives exactly the same way, from the same make in our cheese vat. What sets them apart is how they’re aged. Cave Dweller is sealed completely and aged here at FireFly Farms, while Carpenter’s Wheel ages in the open air at Murray’s Caves. The result is two very different cheeses, and both are award winners.

Thank you to the American Cheese Society judges, to the small local dairies whose milk makes these cheeses possible, and to everyone who brings FireFly cheese to their table.