9 standout cheeses in 2013

Briar Rose Creamery Freya's Wheel (Oregon): An aged goat's milk cheese loosely modeled on Spanish Garrotxa, with the scent of mushroom, yeast and warm butter; a firm, dryish, brittle core; and a creamier band just under the rind.

Katherine (England): An aged goat's milk wheel washed with brine and cider brandy, with a silky, supple, shaveable texture and robust aromas of sauteed onion, garlic and roasted meat.

Red Witch (Switzerland): An alpine wheel made with raw cow's milk, Red Witch has a paprika rub on the rind (hence the name), a satiny texture and aromas of peanuts, toasted hazelnuts, bacon and brown butter.

Briar Rose Creamery Freya's Wheel (Oregon): An aged goat's milk cheese loosely modeled on Spanish Garrotxa, with the scent of mushroom, yeast and warm butter; a firm, dryish, brittle core; and a creamier band just under the rind.

Katherine (England): An aged goat's milk wheel washed with brine and cider brandy, with a silky, supple, shaveable texture and robust aromas of sauteed onion, garlic and roasted meat.

Red Witch (Switzerland): An alpine wheel made with raw cow's milk, Red Witch has a paprika rub on the rind (hence the name), a satiny texture and aromas of peanuts, toasted hazelnuts, bacon and brown butter.