New York, NY – June 30, 2026 – In a dazzling display of unparalleled expertise and unwavering dedication, Hanna Lee, representing Mouse Hole Cheese Shop of Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been crowned the 2025 Cheesemonger Invitational (CMI) Champion. The prestigious victory, announced amidst a roaring crowd at New York City’s iconic Hammerstein Ballroom, marks a significant milestone in the world of artisan cheese, further solidifying Lee’s reputation just months after she made history as the first American to win the international Young Cheesemonger of the Year title in 2025. Her triumph at the CMI, the premier national competition for cheese professionals, underscores a remarkable journey of perseverance and mastery, setting a new benchmark for excellence in the industry.

Main Facts: A Dual Crown for a Dairy Dynamo

Hanna Lee’s win at the 2025 Cheesemonger Invitational in New York is more than just a national title; it’s the culmination of years of relentless effort and a testament to her profound understanding and passion for cheese. Emerging victorious from a highly competitive field of 46 mongers hailing from across the United States and Belgium, Lee distinguished herself through a grueling series of challenges that tested every facet of a cheesemonger’s skill set. Her final score of 352 points not only secured her the coveted trophy but also established a commanding 31-point lead over her closest competitor, a margin that CMI host and creator Adam "Mr. Moo" Moskowitz highlighted as particularly significant.

This national accolade follows swiftly on the heels of another monumental achievement earlier in 2025, when Lee claimed the title of Young Cheesemonger of the Year at the World Cheese Awards in Bern, Switzerland. That international triumph made her the first American ever to achieve such an honor, instantly catapulting her onto the global stage. Her subsequent victory at the CMI firmly cements her status as a formidable force in the cheese world, demonstrating not only her breadth of knowledge but also her exceptional ability to perform under immense pressure.

Lee’s journey to the top of the competitive cheesemongering world began with foundational experiences that shaped her deep appreciation for the craft. Prior to her role at Mouse Hole Cheese Shop, a beloved establishment known for its curated selection of artisanal cheeses, Lee honed her skills as a seasonal cheesemaking assistant at Uplands Cheese in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Under the tutelage of award-winning cheesemaker Andy Hatch, she gained invaluable insights into the intricate processes of cheese production, from pasture to plate. This hands-on experience undoubtedly provided her with a unique perspective, enriching her ability to speak with authority and passion about the products she champions.

The Hammerstein Ballroom, typically known for its musical performances and grand events, transformed into a vibrant arena where the aroma of aged cheddars, pungent blues, and creamy bries filled the air. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, a palpable buzz from the hundreds of cheese enthusiasts, industry professionals, and supportive peers gathered to witness the crowning of the nation’s top cheesemonger. Lee’s win was met with thunderous applause, a fitting recognition for a competitor who has consistently pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a modern cheesemonger.

A Journey to the Pinnacle: Hanna Lee’s Competitive Ascent

Hanna Lee’s path to becoming a dual champion is a compelling narrative of ambition, resilience, and continuous self-improvement. Her success is not merely a stroke of luck but the result of a meticulously planned and executed competitive strategy, built upon a solid foundation of practical experience and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.

From Dairy Fields to National Stage

Lee’s initial foray into the world of cheese was deeply rooted in the agricultural heartland of Wisconsin. Her tenure as a seasonal cheesemaking assistant at Uplands Cheese offered a rare glimpse into the artisanal production process, a hands-on education that few cheesemongers receive. Uplands Cheese, under the esteemed guidance of Andy Hatch, is renowned for its award-winning cheeses like Pleasant Ridge Reserve, an American original that has garnered international acclaim. Working directly with the raw ingredients, understanding the nuances of milk, rennet, and cultures, and experiencing the rhythmic cycle of cheesemaking provided Lee with an unparalleled appreciation for the product she would later champion. This intimate connection to the source material—the land, the animals, and the hands that craft the cheese—undoubtedly enriched her presentations and expanded her sensory vocabulary, giving her a distinct edge in competitions that demand a profound understanding of cheese from its very origins.

Her transition from cheesemaking to cheesemongering at Mouse Hole Cheese Shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, marked a shift from production to curation and customer engagement. Here, Lee applied her deep product knowledge to connect consumers with exceptional cheeses, developing her skills in selection, care, and presentation. This practical experience on the retail floor, interacting directly with customers and managing a diverse inventory, was crucial in honing the communication and salesmanship skills that are paramount in competitive cheesemongering.

The Road to the Cheesemonger Invitational Title

Lee’s competitive journey began in 2023, when she first entered the Cheesemonger Invitational. Her debut was remarkably strong, earning her a coveted spot in the finals—an impressive feat for a newcomer. While she didn’t win that year, the experience ignited a competitive spark. "I thought, ‘This is something I could keep trying and striving at,’" Lee recounted, reflecting on that initial foray. This early taste of high-stakes competition provided invaluable lessons, revealing areas for growth and strengthening her resolve.

Following her initial CMI experience, Lee took a strategic year off from the national competition circuit. This hiatus was not a break but rather an intensive period of study, practice, and refinement. She likely delved deeper into the vast universe of cheese, exploring new regions, styles, and producers, and meticulously analyzing her previous performance to identify and strengthen any weaknesses. This deliberate approach paid dividends upon her return to the CMI, where she secured a second-place finish, demonstrating significant progress and confirming her potential as a future champion.

The pivotal moment in her competitive career came in 2025 at the World Cheese Awards in Bern, Switzerland. There, Lee competed in the Academy of Cheese’s international Young Cheesemonger of the Year competition. This global stage presented a different set of challenges and an even broader array of cheeses, requiring an understanding of international dairy traditions and market dynamics. Her victory in Bern was not just a personal triumph but a historic moment for American cheesemongering, marking the first time a competitor from the United States had won the prestigious title. This international recognition validated her expertise on a global scale and provided a tremendous surge of confidence.

Armed with an international title and a renewed sense of purpose, Lee set her sights once more on the Cheesemonger Invitational. "I wanted to come back to see if I could win CMI," she stated simply, yet powerfully, after her victory. "And I won." Her narrative is a powerful illustration of how dedication, learning from setbacks, and relentless pursuit of a goal can lead to the ultimate achievement.

The Gauntlet of Gustatory Challenges: Inside the CMI

The Cheesemonger Invitational is not merely a competition; it is an ultimate test designed to identify the most well-rounded and skilled cheese professional. The event is a high-octane, multi-faceted gauntlet that pushes competitors to their limits, assessing their knowledge, practical skills, creativity, and customer service acumen.

A Test of Comprehensive Expertise

The CMI unfolds in two distinct phases. Initially, all mongers undergo 10 diverse challenges, each designed to probe a different aspect of their profession. From this initial pool, only six finalists emerge to face an additional five challenges, each more demanding than the last, to determine the ultimate champion.

The challenges span several mediums, reflecting the complex and multifaceted role of a modern cheesemonger:

• Blind Taste Tests: Perhaps one of the most iconic and intimidating challenges, this segment demands an exceptional palate and encyclopedic knowledge. Competitors are presented with various unmarked cheeses and must identify them by type, origin, milk source, and often, even producer. This tests not only their sensory evaluation skills—detecting subtle nuances in flavor, aroma, and texture—but also their vast memory and ability to connect those sensory cues to specific cheese profiles. The pressure of identification under a strict time limit, with an audience watching, adds another layer of difficulty.

• Oral Presentations: This challenge assesses a monger’s ability to articulate complex information clearly, engagingly, and accurately. Competitors might be tasked with discussing the history of a particular cheese, explaining a unique cheesemaking process, or delving into the cultural significance of a regional specialty. It requires not just knowledge but also strong public speaking skills and the ability to convey passion and enthusiasm.

• Timed Cheese Cuttings: Precision, efficiency, and minimal waste are the hallmarks of a skilled cheesemonger. In this practical challenge, contestants are given a specific amount of time to cut and portion a variety of cheeses, often of different shapes and textures (e.g., a wheel of hard Parmesan, a delicate round of brie, a crumbling blue). Judges evaluate the accuracy of the portions, the neatness of the cuts, the cleanliness of the workstation, and the overall speed, all while ensuring proper handling to maintain the integrity and appearance of the cheese. This is a direct reflection of daily retail tasks, but under intense scrutiny.

• Salesmanship Test: This role-playing scenario places the monger in a mock shop setting with a "customer" (a judge). The goal is to evaluate how well a competitor can understand customer needs, explain details about a certain cheese, offer informed recommendations, and ultimately, convince the customer to purchase a wedge. It tests interpersonal skills, product knowledge, persuasive communication, and the ability to create a positive, educational, and personalized shopping experience. This challenge highlights the crucial customer-facing aspect of the cheesemonger’s role, where expertise must translate into effective interaction.

• The "Perfect Bite" Round: This is arguably the most creative and visually stunning challenge. As described on the Cheesemonger Invitational’s website, contestants are given "90 minutes to create 100 bite-sized portions of their pre-assigned cheese with pairing items of their choosing." This round is a culinary and artistic showcase, demanding not only an understanding of flavor harmonies but also an eye for aesthetic presentation, efficiency in preparation, and the ability to conceptualize and execute a cohesive theme. Judges scrutinize the balance of flavors, the textural interplay, the originality of the pairing, and the overall appeal and consistency of each bite. It elevates cheesemongering from a retail job to a form of culinary artistry.

These challenges are meticulously designed to simulate the real-world demands placed on top-tier cheesemongers, pushing them beyond mere product knowledge to encompass sales, service, artistry, and education.

The Pressure Cooker of Competition

The atmosphere within the Hammerstein Ballroom during the CMI is electric. Imagine dozens of workstations, each a miniature stage where competitors, focused and determined, navigate their tasks under the glare of spotlights and the watchful eyes of judges and an eager audience. The air is thick with anticipation, punctuated by the quiet intensity of focused work, the rhythmic scraping of knives on cheese boards, and the murmur of judges’ deliberations. For the mongers, it’s a pressure cooker, where years of training and passion culminate in a few intense hours. The stakes are high, not just for the title, but for the recognition and respect that come with excelling in such a demanding environment. Every cut, every word, every pairing is scrutinized, making mental fortitude as crucial as practical skill.

The Elite Field: Competitors and the Spirit of the CMI

The Cheesemonger Invitational is more than a competition; it’s a vibrant gathering of the cheese community, a platform for showcasing talent, and a catalyst for professional development. The caliber of the competitors speaks volumes about the event’s standing in the industry.

A Gathering of North America’s Finest (and Beyond)

This year’s CMI drew an impressive 46 mongers, not only from across the United States but also, notably, from Belgium, underscoring the event’s growing international appeal and influence. This diverse pool of talent ensures a robust and challenging competition, bringing together different perspectives and regional specialties.

Among the six finalists who battled alongside Hanna Lee were some of the most respected names in the North American cheese scene:

• Anna Anel of The Curd Nerd in Syracuse, New York, who secured a well-deserved second place, demonstrating exceptional skill and knowledge.
• Anna Patrick of Beautiful Rind in Chicago, a strong contender who earned third place, further highlighting the vibrant cheese culture in the Midwest.
• Kara McGrath of Paste & Rind in Washington, D.C., representing the East Coast’s burgeoning artisan cheese market.
• Antonia Horne of Caputo’s Market & Deli in Salt Lake City, a prominent figure from the Intermountain West, known for its strong food scene.
• Izzy Kerian of Providore Fine Foods in Portland, Oregon, showcasing the innovative spirit of the Pacific Northwest.

Each of these finalists represents a top-tier cheese shop, embodying the dedication and passion that elevate cheesemongering to an art form. Their participation highlights the national scope of the competition and the high standards it upholds. The CMI acts as a crucial networking hub, fostering camaraderie and shared learning among professionals who, despite being competitors, are united by their love for cheese. It’s an opportunity for mongers to connect, share insights, and build relationships that strengthen the entire industry.

Adam Moskowitz: The Visionary Behind "Mr. Moo"

At the heart of the Cheesemonger Invitational is its host and creator, Adam Moskowitz, affectionately known as "Mr. Moo." Moskowitz is a passionate advocate for cheesemongers and the artisan cheese industry. His vision for the CMI was to create a platform that not only celebrates the skill and artistry of these professionals but also educates the public about the vital role they play in the food chain.

Upon announcing Hanna Lee’s impressive score of 352 points—a significant 31-point lead over the second-place finisher—Moskowitz’s enthusiasm was evident. His comments underscore the exceptional nature of Lee’s performance, highlighting the rare margin of victory. "That was a significant 31-point lead," he declared to the roaring crowd, as he personally handed Lee the gleaming trophy. Moskowitz’s involvement ensures that the CMI remains true to its mission: to elevate the profession, inspire new talent, and bring the joy of artisan cheese to a wider audience. He understands that by spotlighting the expertise of cheesemongers, the entire ecosystem of cheese—from cheesemakers to consumers—benefits.

Official Responses and Industry Acclaim

The announcement of Hanna Lee’s victory was met with an outpouring of emotion and recognition, both from Lee herself and from the broader cheese community. Her acceptance speech, modest yet impactful, resonated deeply with attendees, offering a glimpse into the mindset of a true champion.

Triumph and Reflection: Hanna Lee’s Acceptance Speech

As the cheers subsided and the trophy was placed in her hands, Hanna Lee addressed the crowd with a speech that was both humble and powerful. Her words traced her competitive journey, revealing the perseverance that underpinned her success. "I started my competitive cheesemongering journey in 2023, when I made it to the finals of that year’s Cheesemonger Invitational," she began, recounting her initial foray into the high-stakes world of competitive cheese. "I thought, ‘This is something I could keep trying and striving at.’" This early ambition, fueled by a taste of the finals, set the course for her future endeavors.

She then spoke of her strategic year off, a period of intense preparation, followed by her return to the CMI where she secured a second-place finish. The culmination of this trajectory was her historic win at the international Young Cheesemonger of the Year competition in Bern. Her return to the CMI, she admitted, was driven by a singular, clear goal: "I wanted to come back to see if I could win CMI," she stated with quiet determination, then concluded with a triumphant, yet understated, "And I won." Her speech was a masterclass in humility and dedication, inspiring aspiring mongers and reminding everyone that true mastery often comes from persistent effort and learning from every experience. It was a narrative of setting ambitious goals, enduring setbacks, and ultimately, achieving the pinnacle of her craft.

Voices from the Cheese Community

While direct quotes from other industry figures were not immediately available, the sentiment across the cheese community following Lee’s win was undoubtedly one of widespread admiration and celebration. Industry leaders, past CMI champions, and fellow cheesemongers would likely hail her as a shining example of dedication and skill. Her dual victory—an international title followed by the national championship—is unprecedented and serves as a powerful testament to her comprehensive expertise.

Many would view Lee’s achievement as a significant moment for the entire profession, showcasing the rigorous standards and profound knowledge required to excel. Shop owners, for whom competitive success often translates into increased prestige and customer interest, would express pride in seeing one of their own reach such heights. Educators and mentors within the cheese world would likely point to Lee’s journey as an inspiring roadmap for new talent, emphasizing the value of continuous learning and competitive spirit. Adam Moskowitz’s emphasis on her significant lead also speaks volumes, positioning her victory not just as a win, but as a dominant performance that underscored her mastery. Her success undoubtedly sparked conversations about raising the bar for competitive cheesemongering and encouraging even more professionals to pursue excellence.

Broader Implications for the Artisan Cheese World

Hanna Lee’s extraordinary double victory at the Cheesemonger Invitational and the Young Cheesemonger of the Year competition carries profound implications for the artisan cheese world, extending far beyond the accolades themselves. Her success is a powerful testament to the evolving professionalism of the industry and a catalyst for future growth and innovation.

Elevating the Profession of Cheesemongering

For decades, the role of a cheesemonger was often perceived as a specialized retail position. However, competitions like the CMI, and now the international Young Cheesemonger of the Year, have played a crucial role in elevating the profession to an art form, demanding a level of expertise comparable to that of a sommelier or a master baker. Lee’s triumph reinforces that cheesemongering is a serious career path requiring extensive knowledge in areas such as dairy science, sensory evaluation, geography, history, culinary arts, and customer service.

Her success highlights the increasing sophistication of the artisan cheese market. As consumers become more discerning and seek out unique, high-quality products, the role of the knowledgeable cheesemonger becomes indispensable. They act as vital intermediaries, connecting consumers to the stories behind the cheeses, guiding them through complex flavor profiles, and ensuring proper care and enjoyment. By showcasing the pinnacle of this profession, Lee’s win inspires others to pursue excellence, attracting more talent to the field and further professionalizing the industry as a whole. It sets a new standard, demonstrating that mastery of cheese is a craft worthy of global recognition.

A Catalyst for Education and Innovation

The Cheesemonger Invitational, through its rigorous challenges, serves as a powerful educational platform. For competitors, the preparation itself is an immersive learning experience, pushing them to expand their knowledge base and refine their skills. For the audience, it’s an opportunity to witness the depth of expertise involved in cheesemongering and to learn more about different cheeses and pairing concepts.

Challenges like the "Perfect Bite" round are particularly influential in driving culinary innovation. By tasking mongers with creating imaginative pairings, the CMI encourages experimentation and pushes the boundaries of how cheese can be enjoyed. These creative presentations often inspire new trends in cheese boards, restaurant menus, and home entertaining, demonstrating the versatility and culinary potential of cheese beyond simple consumption.

Furthermore, the CMI fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration. It provides an invaluable opportunity for networking among cheesemongers, cheesemakers, distributors, and retailers. This exchange of ideas, best practices, and industry insights helps to strengthen the entire supply chain, fostering a more vibrant and interconnected cheese world. The post-competition discussions, workshops, and informal gatherings contribute significantly to the ongoing education and development of professionals across the industry.

The Future of Competitive Cheesemongering

Hanna Lee’s achievement, particularly her unprecedented international and national double win, is a significant milestone that will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of cheesemongers. Her journey, from initial competitive attempts to ultimate triumph, serves as a powerful narrative of what can be achieved through dedication and continuous learning. It encourages aspiring mongers to view competitive events not just as contests, but as opportunities for growth, learning, and recognition.

The increasing international participation in events like the CMI, and the growing global recognition of titles like the Young Cheesemonger of the Year, underscore the expanding reach and influence of the artisan cheese movement. It signifies a global convergence of talent and passion, where national boundaries are increasingly less relevant than shared expertise. This trend promises to further enrich the industry, fostering cross-cultural exchange of cheesemaking traditions and mongering techniques. As the artisan cheese industry continues its remarkable growth, the role of skilled, passionate professionals like Hanna Lee will remain paramount in guiding consumers, inspiring innovation, and celebrating the timeless art of cheese. Her victory is not just a personal triumph but a beacon for the entire community, illuminating the bright future of competitive cheesemongering and the artisan cheese world.