BURDETT, N.Y. (WENY) -- Hundreds of people gathered at The Notorious G.I.B. Cheese Fest in Burdett. This was Grist Iron Brewing Company's first chance at taking on the Finger Lakes Cheese Fest with a new twist.  

Things sure did get cheesy. People walked around with cheese samples as they visited vendors during the fun-filled event. Assistant General Manager of Grist Iron Brewing Company, Ryan Desocio, said organizers did not expect as big of a turnout as they got at today’s event. 

  Alexandra Deryn

“The community loves it,” he said. “I don't think I've seen a busier day at Grist Iron in my seven-year history here.” 

Desocio said in years past, this cheese fest has taken place at another creamery in the Finger Lakes region. This year, it was the brewery's turn to step up to the plate. 

“Well, a few years ago it started as the Finger Lakes Cheese Fest at Sunset View Creamery and they kind of handed the baton off to us this year and we're running with it,” he said. “We've got 28 vendors from around the area...anywhere from creameries to different handcrafted items.” 

  Alexandra Deryn

 

The cheese fest was free to the public to check out. Desocio said there was something for everyone to enjoy from live music to petting farm animals to trying new brews. 

“We've got cheese and beer pairings with Lively Run here today...so that's also a good idea to try out,” he said. 

Cheese maker at Lively Run Goat Dairy, Valerie Delong, offered visitors five different goat cheese samples at her booth. The business is one of longest-running goat dairies in the United States, established in 1982. Delong said people have really taken to the business's newly-released flavor.  

  Alexandra Deryn

 

“We actually just released a new cheese today for this event...it's called Phoebe and it is a natural-rind goat milk cheddar style,” she said. “That's been received really well...so that's really great for us.” 

Delong said the public has been in favor of their newest flavor Phoebe. The cheese is special because of its aging process. 

The owners of the brewing company wanted to pay homage to hip-hop artist Biggie Smalls aka The Notorious B.I.G with a play on their event's name. They hope to bring back the G.I.B cheese fest next year.