New York, NY – June 30, 2026 – In a triumphant display of profound expertise, unwavering dedication, and unparalleled skill, Hanna Lee, representing Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Mouse Hole Cheese Shop, has been named the 2025 Cheesemonger Invitational (CMI) champion. The prestigious victory, secured at the iconic Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, marks a historic moment in the world of artisan cheese, solidifying Lee’s status as a formidable force, having also clinched the international Young Cheesemonger of the Year title in Bern, Switzerland, in 2025. Her commanding performance at CMI, where she outscored a competitive field of 46 mongers from across the United States and Belgium, underscores a remarkable journey of competitive excellence.

Main Facts: A Dual Crown for a Dairy Dynamo

The 2025 Cheesemonger Invitational, a grueling yet exhilarating national competition, culminated in a resounding victory for Hanna Lee. Lee navigated a series of rigorous challenges, including intricate blind taste tests, compelling oral presentations, and precision-timed cheese cuttings, demonstrating a mastery that ultimately set her apart from a highly skilled cohort of professionals. Her triumph at the Hammerstein Ballroom was met with a roaring crowd and the enthusiastic announcement from CMI host and creator, Adam "Mr. Moo" Moskowitz, who highlighted Lee’s significant 31-point lead with a final score of 352 points.

This national accolade follows closely on the heels of another monumental achievement for Lee: being the first American to win the Academy of Cheese’s international Young Cheesemonger of the Year competition at the World Cheese Awards in Bern, Switzerland, in 2025. This dual victory firmly positions Lee at the pinnacle of competitive cheesemongering, both domestically and on the global stage.

Lee emerged as the frontrunner from a formidable group of six finalists. The top contenders included Anna Anel of The Curd Nerd in Syracuse, New York, who secured a commendable second place, and Anna Patrick of Beautiful Rind in Chicago, who earned third. Other finalists who showcased exceptional talent were Kara McGrath of Paste & Rind in Washington, D.C.; Antonia Horne of Caputo’s Market & Deli in Salt Lake City; and Izzy Kerian of Providore Fine Foods in Portland, Oregon. The participation of 46 mongers, extending beyond U.S. borders to include Belgium, underscored the growing international appeal and competitive intensity of the Cheesemonger Invitational. Lee’s victory is not merely a personal triumph but a testament to the burgeoning talent within the American artisan cheese community.

Prior to her celebrated tenure at Mouse Hole Cheese Shop, Lee honed her foundational skills as a seasonal cheesemaking assistant at the esteemed Uplands Cheese in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, under the tutelage of award-winning cheesemaker Andy Hatch. This hands-on experience in production undoubtedly provided her with a profound understanding of cheese from its very genesis, a knowledge base that proved invaluable in the demanding environment of the CMI.

Chronology: A Path Paved with Persistence and Passion

Hanna Lee’s ascent to the summit of competitive cheesemongering is a compelling narrative of perseverance, strategic growth, and an unyielding passion for cheese. Her journey began in earnest in 2023, when she first entered the fray of the Cheesemonger Invitational, making it to the highly competitive finals. This initial foray, though not resulting in a win, ignited a spark. "I thought, ‘This is something I could keep trying and striving at,’" Lee recounted in her post-victory speech, reflecting on her nascent competitive spirit.

Following her impressive debut, Lee made a strategic decision to take a year off from the CMI circuit. This period was not one of inactivity, but rather a time for intense self-reflection, skill refinement, and perhaps a deeper dive into the vast and complex world of cheese. Her return to the Cheesemonger Invitational circuit proved her growth, as she secured a respectable second place in her subsequent attempt. This consistent improvement demonstrated a clear trajectory towards excellence.

The pivotal moment in her international career arrived in 2025. Lee traveled to Bern, Switzerland, to compete in the Academy of Cheese’s international Young Cheesemonger of the Year competition, held in conjunction with the prestigious World Cheese Awards. In a historic first for the United States, Lee emerged victorious, becoming the inaugural American to claim this esteemed international title. This global recognition not only validated her burgeoning talent but also brought significant international attention to the caliber of American cheesemongering.

Buoyed by her international triumph and a burning desire to complete her competitive arc, Lee returned to the Cheesemonger Invitational with a singular focus. "I wanted to come back to see if I could win CMI," she stated simply, yet powerfully, after her victory. Her subsequent declaration, "[And] I won," encapsulated the culmination of years of effort, learning, and competitive drive. Her journey illustrates a methodical approach to competition, transforming initial exposure into a refined strategy for eventual dominance.

The Evolution of the Cheesemonger Invitational

The Cheesemonger Invitational itself boasts a rich history, envisioned and brought to life by Adam Moskowitz, affectionately known as "Mr. Moo." Founded with the mission to elevate the profession of the cheesemonger, CMI has grown from a passionate concept into the premier national platform for showcasing and celebrating the art and science of cheese retail. Moskowitz’s vision was to create a crucible where the best mongers could test their mettle, pushing the boundaries of their knowledge, palate, and presentation skills.

Over the years, the CMI has expanded significantly in scope and prestige. What began as a gathering of passionate professionals has evolved into a highly anticipated annual event, drawing competitors from across the nation and, as evidenced this year, increasingly from international locales. The competition serves not only as a benchmark for individual excellence but also as a powerful catalyst for community building within the artisan cheese industry. It provides a unique forum for networking, knowledge exchange, and the collective advancement of cheesemongering standards. The Hammerstein Ballroom, with its grand scale and historical significance, provides a fitting backdrop for an event that has become a true spectacle, captivating both industry insiders and the general public with its blend of intense competition and celebratory atmosphere.

Supporting Data: Dissecting the Gauntlet of Cheese Challenges

The Cheesemonger Invitational is renowned for its comprehensive and demanding multi-stage format, designed to rigorously test every facet of a cheesemonger’s expertise. Competitors first undergo 10 initial challenges, meticulously crafted to assess a broad spectrum of skills. From this large field, only six finalists advance to face five additional, even more intense challenges, ultimately determining the champion.

The Initial Gauntlet: Ten Trials of Skill

The preliminary rounds are a true test of a monger’s foundational and practical abilities:

• Blind Taste Tests: These go beyond simple identification. Mongers might be tasked with identifying specific cheeses by milk type (cow, goat, sheep, buffalo), country or region of origin, approximate age, or even specific affineurs or cheesemakers based solely on flavor, texture, and aroma. This requires an incredibly refined palate and encyclopedic knowledge.
• Oral Presentations / Product Knowledge: Contestants are given a specific cheese and asked to present it, often to a panel of judges simulating discerning customers. They must articulate its history, production methods, flavor profile, pairing suggestions, and proper storage, all while demonstrating engaging communication skills and an ability to connect with the "customer."
• Timed Cheese Cuttings: Precision and efficiency are paramount. Mongers are tasked with cutting specific weights or shapes of various cheeses (e.g., a perfect 1/4 lb wedge from a large wheel, or consistent portions from a crumbly blue). They are judged on accuracy of weight, minimal waste, clean cuts, attractive presentation, and speed.
• Salesmanship Test: In a mock shop setting, competitors interact with a "customer" (a judge) who has specific preferences or questions. The monger must actively listen, recommend appropriate cheeses, upsell complementary items, handle objections, and demonstrate superior customer service, all while conveying genuine passion and expertise.
• Written Examination: This round assesses theoretical knowledge, covering topics such as cheese history, microbiology, aging processes, safety regulations, and global cheese classifications.
• Cheese Identification: Beyond blind tasting, this might involve identifying cheeses visually, or identifying common defects and their causes.
• Pairing Knowledge: Competitors might be asked to suggest pairings for a range of cheeses, justifying their choices based on flavor science and culinary principles.
• Inventory Management Simulation: A test of practical retail skills, assessing how a monger would handle stock rotation, ordering, and minimizing spoilage.
• Display Creation: Mongers are given a selection of cheeses and accoutrements and tasked with creating an appealing and informative display, showcasing their aesthetic sense and understanding of visual merchandising.
• Wrapping Techniques: Demonstrating proficiency in various wrapping methods (e.g., parchment and plastic, foil, specific paper for different cheese types) to ensure optimal preservation and presentation for the customer.

The Final Showdown: Five Ultimate Challenges

The six finalists face an even more intense series of tasks, designed to push their creativity and pressure-handling capabilities:

• Advanced Blind Tasting: Often involving more obscure cheeses, or requiring identification of subtle nuances in complex cheeses.
• Complex Oral Presentation: A more in-depth, academic-style presentation on a specific cheese topic or a critical analysis of a cheese trend.
• The Perfect Bite Round: This highly anticipated challenge, as detailed on the Cheesemonger Invitational’s website, grants contestants "90 minutes to create 100 bite-sized portions of their pre-assigned cheese with pairing items of their choosing." Judges evaluate creativity, flavor balance, textural contrast, aesthetic appeal, and the ability of the pairing to enhance, rather than overshadow, the hero cheese. It’s a true test of culinary artistry.
• Mystery Box Challenge: Finalists are given a selection of unexpected ingredients and a specific cheese, then tasked with creating a unique and harmonious pairing or small dish on the spot, demonstrating adaptability and innovation.
• Personal Philosophy Statement: The mongers might be asked to articulate their personal philosophy on cheesemongering, their vision for the industry, or their interpretation of a specific industry challenge, often delivered as a short speech.

Judging and Industry Context

The judging panel at the CMI is composed of an elite group of cheese experts, including renowned cheesemakers, affineurs, culinary professionals, food writers, and past champions. Their collective expertise ensures a fair and rigorous evaluation, with detailed rubrics for each challenge. This meticulous judging process is crucial to maintaining the integrity and high standards of the competition.

The CMI plays a vital role in the artisan cheese ecosystem. It not only provides a high-profile platform for individual mongers to shine but also serves to professionalize and elevate the craft of cheesemongering. By showcasing the depth of knowledge and skill required, it educates consumers about the value of expert guidance in their cheese choices and inspires a new generation to pursue careers in the industry. It transforms what might be perceived as a simple retail job into a respected culinary profession, essential for connecting the intricate work of cheesemakers to the discerning palates of consumers.

Official Responses: Voices of Triumph and Vision

Following her remarkable victory, Hanna Lee addressed the roaring crowd at the Hammerstein Ballroom, her voice resonating with a mix of elation and profound gratitude. "I thought, ‘This is something I could keep trying and striving at,’" she recalled, reflecting on her initial competitive foray in 2023. Her journey, she emphasized, was one of continuous learning and growth. "After taking a year off," she explained, a period that clearly paid dividends, "I competed again, earning Second." The highlight of her competitive arc, she noted, was her groundbreaking win at the World Cheese Awards, becoming the first American Young Cheesemonger of the Year in 2025. This international validation, she shared, fueled her determination to return to the CMI. "I wanted to come back to see if I could win CMI," she declared, her eyes shining with the memory of that ambition. "And I won." Her speech was a powerful testament to the rewards of persistence, passion, and the belief in one’s own capabilities, inspiring countless aspiring cheesemongers in the audience.

Adam "Mr. Moo" Moskowitz, the visionary founder and host of the Cheesemonger Invitational, spoke with palpable enthusiasm as he announced Lee’s victory. Handing her the coveted trophy amidst a thunderous ovation, Moskowitz highlighted the significance of her score. "Hanna earned a score of 352 points," he announced, "a significant 31-point lead." His emphasis on the margin of victory underscored the dominance of Lee’s performance, indicating not just a win, but a comprehensive mastery over her competitors. Moskowitz has consistently championed the role of the cheesemonger, and Lee’s triumph, particularly as a dual national and international champion, perfectly embodies the excellence he strives to cultivate through the CMI. His comments often reflect his broader vision for the competition as a crucible for talent and a beacon for the artisan cheese community.

While specific quotes from the other finalists were not provided in the immediate aftermath, the spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect among competitors at the CMI is well-documented. Second-place winner Anna Anel and third-place Anna Patrick, along with the other finalists, would undoubtedly have acknowledged Lee’s exceptional performance and the high caliber of competition. The CMI fosters a supportive environment where even in defeat, mongers often express appreciation for the shared experience and the opportunity to learn from the best, further reinforcing the event’s role as a community builder.

Implications: A New Era for American Cheesemongering

Hanna Lee’s unprecedented dual victory as both the 2025 Cheesemonger Invitational Champion and the 2025 Young Cheesemonger of the Year carries profound implications, not only for her burgeoning career but also for the broader artisan cheese industry.

Impact on Hanna Lee’s Career and Mouse Hole Cheese Shop

For Hanna Lee, these wins are transformative. Her international title already cemented her global reputation, but the CMI victory provides a national spotlight that will undoubtedly open numerous doors. She is now poised to become a highly sought-after figure in the cheese world, likely leading to opportunities as a brand ambassador, consultant for cheese programs, or even inspiring her to eventually open her own establishment. Her expertise will be invaluable, potentially leading to educational roles, judging positions in future competitions, or contributing to cheese literature. The Mouse Hole Cheese Shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Lee serves as a cheesemonger, will also experience a significant boost in profile. This recognition will undoubtedly attract new customers eager to experience the knowledge and passion of a world-class monger, solidifying the shop’s reputation as a destination for exceptional cheese.

Impact on the Artisan Cheese Industry

Lee’s success further elevates the professional status of cheesemongers. Her journey, particularly her strategic approach to competitive growth, serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring mongers. It demonstrates that cheesemongering is not merely a job but a demanding, respected, and highly skilled profession requiring extensive knowledge, a refined palate, and exceptional communication abilities. The CMI, through champions like Lee, plays a crucial role in validating this profession, attracting new talent, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the industry.

Moreover, her status as the first American to win the international Young Cheesemonger of the Year title underscores the growing strength and sophistication of the American artisan cheese movement on a global scale. It signals that American mongers are not only capable of competing with the best internationally but are also setting new benchmarks for excellence. This global recognition can lead to increased international collaboration, export opportunities for American cheeses, and a greater appreciation for the unique contributions of the U.S. to the global cheese landscape.

Future of the Cheesemonger Invitational and Artisan Cheese Culture

The CMI continues to solidify its position as the premier platform for celebrating and advancing the craft of cheesemongering. With each successive champion, the competition raises the bar, inspiring greater innovation and dedication among participants. The CMI’s blend of intense competition and educational outreach reinforces its mission to not only find the best mongers but also to foster a vibrant community and educate the public about the intricacies and joys of artisan cheese. The event contributes significantly to a broader cultural appreciation for artisanal food products, encouraging consumers to seek out knowledgeable mongers and explore the diverse world of cheese. As the competition grows, it will likely continue to expand its international reach, attracting even more diverse talent and further cementing its status as a global benchmark for cheesemongering excellence.

For those curious about the rigorous preparation and profound dedication required to reach such heights in the world of competitive cheesemongering, delving deeper into the experiences of top professionals offers invaluable insights. To understand what it truly takes to prepare for an event like the Cheesemonger Invitational, including the detailed strategies and personal sacrifices involved, readers are encouraged to explore insights from leading mongers—including 2025 Mondial du Fromage champion and 2024 Hot Lister Emilia D’Albero—who have walked this very path.