Cheese, but make it a lesson. In old Amsterdam, you’ll taste Henri Willig Gouda while a guide explains the family process and shows a short film that turns cheese talk into real flavor you can pick out.

I love the 10 samples across five Gouda styles with mustard and three dips. I also love the hands-on pairing coaching from guides like Quinten, Heloise, and Martin, so you don’t just eat, you learn what to notice. The main drawback: the venue involves stairs, so it’s not suitable for mobility impairments.

Key takeaways before you go

• 10 pieces, not just a quick nibble: expect a proper tasting that actually lets you compare styles.
• Mustard and dips are the tool: you’ll learn how sauces shift salt, tang, and richness.
• A short cheesemaking film is part of the session: it gives you a framework for what you’re tasting.
• Two drinks are included: alcohol options can include wine/beer and may include port as the finishing touch.
• You get 10% off in the store: it’s built for you to take the flavors home.

Entering Henri Willig’s shop in old Amsterdam: what you’ll notice first

This tasting is set up like a guided lesson inside a real cheese shop. You start in the heart of old Amsterdam, where everything around you points back to Henri Willig’s Dutch cheese-making story.

The flow is simple: you’re welcomed by an English-speaking host, then led through the tasting with a clear rhythm. You’ll sample cheeses, try them with dips and mustard, and get explanations as you go. Expect a friendly pace, not a lecture marathon.

One practical detail matters: the experience is not designed for wheelchair users or people who need step-free access. Even if you’re fine with stairs, I’d treat this as an experience that may be held upstairs depending on the session.

10 Gouda samples, 3 dips, and mustard: the tasting method that teaches you

The core of the experience is the tasting itself. You’ll receive 10 pieces of different Gouda cheeses, paired with mustard plus three dip sauces, along with cheese crackers and water. That means you’re not just tasting “cheese,” you’re tasting cheese with specific flavor partners.

Here’s the smart part: dips and mustard are not an afterthought. They’re how the host helps you notice changes in:

• creaminess versus firm texture
• nutty notes versus sharper, tangier ones
• how salt and fat feel on your palate

You’ll also see how “milk type” and cheese style show up in real taste differences. Even if you’re a cheese beginner, this pairing approach makes it easier to sort out what you like without needing jargon.

If you’re picky, this is still a good bet. Several guides are clearly used to helping people map flavors to preferences, so you can leave with a short list of what you should buy (not an overwhelming cart of everything).

The film and the family story: why it changes how you taste

Between bites, you’ll hear the story of Henri Willig and his family. The host introduces the brand’s roots and the cheesemaking process, supported by a short film.

That film component is useful because it gives you a mental picture fast. Instead of trying to memorize technical facts, you get a simple framework for what makes Dutch Gouda different and why the flavors can shift from one sample to the next.

The story is also part of the fun. People have mentioned guides being funny while staying on point, and names like Suzanne and Ado have come up in experiences tied to the host portion. You’ll likely feel like you’re chatting with someone who actually cares about the craft, not just reading off a script.

Tip: don’t treat this like a passive stop. When the host offers pairing guidance, pay attention. Those sauce combinations are the key to understanding what you’re tasting.

Drink pairings: wine, beer, and port for aroma control

Two drinks are included, and you’ll get options. The details can vary by session, but the experience is set up so drinks complement the cheese rather than just filling time.

Wine and beer show up in the included mix, and several cheese tastings here include port wine as a follow-up pairing. You might even see less obvious drink choices mentioned, like a whey triple beer.

What this means for you in practice: drinks can help you notice aroma and how sweetness or alcohol warmth interacts with fat and salt in the cheese. If you’re the type who gets overwhelmed by too many samples at once, the drinks help pace you.

Also note the good sign here: the format isn’t limited to wine. Some hosts make sure you can pick drinks that fit your taste, which matters if you don’t drink wine.

Small-group energy and guides like Quinten, Heloise, and Martin

This is guided, and it often feels more personal than bigger Amsterdam food tours. The tasting format supports questions as you go, and people have specifically mentioned the experience feeling easy because the groups can be small.

The host quality is a highlight. Guides such as Quinten, Heloise, and Martin are repeatedly praised for knowing their stuff and making the session entertaining. If you enjoy learning through conversation—asking what a certain rind means or which cheese is best with mustard—this structure works.

A practical upside: it’s easier to get nudges toward what you’ll enjoy. Several hosts are described as helping guests figure out which cheeses match their preferences, then guiding what to buy afterward with the store discount.

The 10% store discount: how to shop smarter right after

At the end, you get a 10% discount on purchases in the store. This is more than a nice bonus. It changes how you should approach the tasting.

Here’s how I’d use it:

• Taste with a shopping mindset: decide what you’d actually put on a plate at home.
• Note what sauces you liked with each cheese. That’s what will make leftovers taste better.
• If you plan to buy, don’t wait until you leave. The discount is designed for the moment when your preferences are fresh.

You’ll also likely have time after tasting to pick up your favorites. And if you’re traveling with limited suitcase space, ask about shipping options—some people have mentioned international shipping as a possibility.

One small drawback to watch for: crackers can be in short supply compared with how generous the cheese portions feel. If you’re a cracker fan, just keep an eye on what’s left as you move through the samples.

Price and value at about $21: worth it for cheese lovers and novices

At $21 per person for 40 minutes to 1 hour, you get a lot packed into a short, focused block:

• 10 Gouda cheese pieces
• dips, mustard, crackers, and water
• a guided story plus a short film
• two drinks
• a 10% store discount

That’s the value angle: you’re paying for instruction and tasting portions, not just a snack. Many “food experiences” are either too short to matter or too long to stay interesting. This one hits the sweet spot—enough time to compare flavors, not enough time to feel stuck.

For cheese lovers, the benefit is obvious: you’ll likely discover a few winners you can buy right away. For first-timers, the pairing structure reduces the guesswork. You won’t need to pretend you know the difference between styles; the host helps you hear the difference with your own mouth.

Practical tips: stairs, timing, and dietary needs

A few details can save you stress.

Stairs are a real consideration. The experience is not suitable for mobility impairments, and people have described upstairs/stair access. If that’s you, skip this one.

Timing is also worth planning. Since your session is 40 minutes to 1 hour, arrive a few minutes early at the meeting point (which can vary depending on what option you book). This keeps the experience relaxed instead of rushed.

Dietary needs: the data doesn’t promise special menus for every restriction, but it does show that a host can make accommodations. One experience mentions celiac needs being handled by making a separate cheese board so cheese wouldn’t touch crackers. If you have a serious allergy or celiac, tell the host clearly in advance.

Language is English, which is great if you’re not fluent in Dutch. And the film may be shown in Dutch with English subtitles, so you can follow even if your Dutch is limited.

Who should book this Henri Willig cheese tasting?

Book this if you want a structured tasting where someone helps you taste smarter. It’s ideal for:

• cheese beginners who want guidance without intimidation
• seasoned cheese fans who like learning what drives flavor differences
• people who enjoy food history when it’s tied directly to taste
• couples or friends who want an hour that’s easy to fit into a busy Amsterdam day

It also works well as a “high-impact, low-planning” stop. You’re not committing to a long tour, and you leave with cheese in your hands—or at least a clear buying list.

Should you book this cheese tasting in Amsterdam? My decision guide

Yes, if you want a focused, high-value tasting where the guide actively helps you learn through pairing. The combination of 10 Gouda samples, dips and mustard, two included drinks, and a 10% store discount makes this feel like a smart use of an hour.

Skip it if stairs are an issue for you, or if you prefer totally independent tasting with no guidance. Otherwise, this is one of the better ways to experience a Dutch cheese brand without turning it into a long museum-style stop.

FAQ

How long is the Henri Willig cheese tasting?

It lasts about 40 minutes to 1 hour.

How much does the Amsterdam cheese tasting cost?

The price is $21 per person.

What cheeses are included in the tasting?

You’ll taste 10 pieces of different Gouda cheeses.

Are dips, mustard, and crackers included?

Yes. The tasting includes dips and mustard, plus cheese crackers.

What drinks are included?

Two drinks are included, and water is also included.

Is the host speaking English?

Yes, the host or greeter provides the experience in English.

Is there a film about cheesemaking during the experience?

Yes, the experience includes a small film about the cheesemaking process.

Do you get a discount if you buy cheese at the store?

Yes. You get a 10% discount on all purchases at the end of the tasting.

Is the tour refundable if I cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where will I meet for the tasting?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option you book.