After you’ve braved the queues at the polling booths to decide the future of the nation this weekend, stay in judgement mode and get your self along to the Australian Speciality Cheesemakers’ Association (ASCA) Public Cheese Show.

Try some of the best artisanal cheeses in the country and meet cheesemakers as part of the ASCA annual judging competition.

Here’s a sneak preview of some of the premium cheeses that will be on show and what we thought of them.

Milawa Cheese Company – King River Gold
Made by one of best-known cheese producers from North East Victoria, this multi-award winning heavyweight in the cheese world has over nine titles to its name. The King River Gold is a perfect introduction to washed rind cheese, which is traditionally known for its pungent and somewhat overpowering aroma. The King River Gold, however, has a delicate yet earthy flavour. One taster described the aftertaste as ‘salady’ or similar to alfalfa sprouts.

Locheilan Farmhouse Cheeses – Triple Cream
Reminiscent of a camembert or brie, this very indulgent cheese has been enriched with cream not just once but thrice! The soft, white mould exterior hides a beautiful, creamy cheese that has a light, almost airy texture similar to whipped butter. A devastatingly smooth taste leaves a lingering piquant flavour on the palate.

Tarago River Cheese Company – Strzelecki Blue
This was love at first bite for all the tasters! One person described the Strzelecki Blue as being ‘everything a blue cheese should be’. Made with goat milk, this creamy cheese from Gippsland South is not overly strong but has wonderful layered, smoky flavours. Its depth and complexity make it a must-have on any good cheeseboard.

Maffra Cheese Company – Mature Cheddar
Encased in white wax, this cheese is on a first-name basis with its producers: the members of a single herd of Holstein Friesian cows from central Gippsland who kindly provided their spring milk. That might explain why this smooth cheese has a sweetish, oaky flavour at first, and then rounds off with a definite tangy bite. It would be perfectly paired with a wedge of quince paste.

Sample these cheeses – and about 296 other varieties – in unlimited tastings at the ASCA Public Cheese Show, along with wine and beer, this weekend, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 August. The show will be held at the Palladium Room – Crown Complex from 11am until 4pm. Buy tickets at the door for $45 adult, and $15 concession.