PLYMOUTH, Wis (NBC 26) -- Two Wisconsin lawmakers have introduced a bill to put a cheesy battle of the best to rest. They've proposed to name Colby cheese the official cheese of the dairy state.
Walking around Plymouth, Wisconsin, the "Cheese Capital of the World," it's a bit confusing that Wisconsin calls milk its official beverage and dairy cows their official domestic animal, but still doesn't have an official state cheese.
"I think that's because every cheese that comes from Wisconsin is amazing," says Tracy Foss the Manager of the Cheese Counter.
Foss sells hundreds of different varieties of cheeses. She claims that if you can name it, they've probably got it. But she's also pretty careful, on calling out which type of cheese is her favorite or the most popular.
"I don't know how I would choose."
But others from the "Cheese Capital of the World" aren't afraid to chime in on the great dairy state debate.
"I love sharp cheddar. Sharp cheddar is my favorite. After that, I do like blue cheese," says Kristen Bauknecht of Plymouth.
"Sharp or extra sharp cheddar is what I routinely use. I try to spice it up sometimes," adds Ray Zimmermann who frequently will grab a grilled cheese sandwich at the Cheese Counter.
Living in the Plymouth area, a community that was built on the cheese industry, locals have a lot to say about cheese, and about how perplexing it is that Wisconsin doesn't have an official state cheese just yet.
"I never took note, but since you mentioned it, I am surprised," says Zimmermann.
"We have a cheese capital of the world, we should probably have a state cheese," adds Bauknecht.
And while the options are seemingly endless and ever-growing, as to what type of cheese could take home the coveted title of Wisconsin's official state cheese, many aren't sure what to think of Colby cheese being the front runner right now.
"Colby is a top runner, I would say that. But we all have our own flavor pallets, so, to each their own," adds Foss.
