Despite having a long history, real farmhouse Dutch Edam cheese has disappeared and with it its original sharp identity. Today Edam cheese is a pleasant but rather bland factory-produced cheese. Edam cheese is known for its distinctive red wax coating, but this only appears on cheeses for export. Those destined for the home market are sold with their natural thin yellow rind exposed. The buttercup yellow paste is firm but springy, although not usually as rubbery as young factory-made Gouda. Edam has a lightly spicy aroma and easy taste with a slightly salty flavor lingering on the palate. Edam is made from partially skimmed, pasteurized milk and thus has a relatively low fat content.

Often referred to as a sweet take on Swiss Emmental, this nutty, mild cheese gets its characteristic appearance of large "eyes" (holes) and a domed top from a special beneficial bacteria which emits carbon dioxide during the maturation process. Marketed under numerous brand names such as Leerdam and Mondrian, Maasdam is a perfect complement for salads and sandwiches and is ideal for melting.

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 28 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

This cheese has been called the Dutch Gouda with an Italian flair. A relatively new cheese from the Netherlands, Parrano is aged for five months to develop the nutty taste of Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano, while maintaining the firm, smooth texture of a young Gouda. This marriage of characteristics brings you the best of both worlds. The cheese is full of flavor, yet it is easy to cut, grate, and melt. Parrano is also reminiscent of extra aged Gouda or Old Amsterdam.

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 20 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

One of the rarest, most sought after Dutch specially-cured cheeses has been made in the southern provinces of the Netherlands for over 800 years - Extra Aged Farmer Gouda. Easy to distinguish, it is the dairy world's equivalent of a Rembrandt or Van Gogh. This edible opus magnum has been matured for eighteen months, allowing its body to develop a muted caramel color, matched by an intense flavor with a sweet finish. Extra Aged Gouda can be grated or chunked.

Our Extra Aged Gouda is aged 18 months and is produced by CONO Kaasmakers under the Beemster brand. CONO is located in Northern Holland, famous for its rich milk and fertile grazing land.

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 24 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

Finally, after scouring the Netherlands for a premium producer with the foresight to seriously age his gouda, we have found our man. Though our other two aged goudas are incredible products, this one simply has to be tasted to be believed. Aged for a full five years, this gouda is both intense and complex. Like a fine wine, maturity has been generous to this gouda, lending it nuances other cheeses only dream of. A beguiling array of flavors tease the taste buds and leave you wanting more of this very special item.

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Photo depicts half of a 20 lb. wheel of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

The name Gouda comes from a village in southern Holland. This smoked variety is creamy and mild with a natural smoked flavor and rich musky aftertaste. In recipes, or on a cheese board, this versatile cheese does not disappoint and is sensa tional with beer.

We experienced a moment of culinary divinity when we first sampled this double-aged Gouda. Previously, we doubted that any cheese could be more flavorful than Beemster's 18-month Aged Gouda, but their X.O. indeed sets a new bar. With this 26-month gouda, we first noticed its delicate, brittle texture. After we tasted it, the flavor of butterscotch permeated the palate, followed by alternating waves of whiskey and pecan.

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 24 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

Eighteen pound logs of Smoked Gouda are produced in Holland in some of the world's most modern, computerized dairy plants. Yet, the cheese is still smoked in ancient brick ovens over smoldering hickory chip embers. Available natural or flavored, this cylindrically shaped cheese is perfect for impromptu picnics, party platters or midnight snacks. Note: the brown, smoky rind is not only edible, it's the best part of the cheese!

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 6 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

Varieties sold separately.

Prima Donna - Aged - Red Wax Farm-made in 30 lb. wheels. Sharp, aged two years. Texture like aged Parmisan, taste like aged Gouda and aged Gruyere.

Eighteen pound logs of Smoked Gouda are produced in Holland in some of the world's most modern, computerized dairy plants. Yet, the cheese is still smoked in ancient brick ovens over smoldering hickory chip embers. Available natural or flavored, this cylindrically shaped cheese is perfect for impromptu picnics, party platters or midnight snacks. Note: the brown, smoky rind is not only edible, it's the best part of the cheese!

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 6 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

Varieties sold separately.

The name is a bit corny, but at least it's accurate. Chevrelait, pronounced like the American car company, is the combination of the French words "Chevre" - meaning "goat", and "Lait" - meaning "milk". We discovered this brand new smoked goat's milk cheese while in Holland not too long ago. Similar in looks to Dutch Smoked Gouda, it is a log-shaped cheese with an edible brown rind and a pale white interior. That is where the similarity ends, however, as Chevrelait tastes decidedly "goaty". If you like the taste of traditional chevre, you'll find Chevrelait to be a familiar, yet unique alternative.

• Made from pasteurized processed goat's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 4 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

We're happy to introduce this North Holland Dutch Gouda with some new flavorful twists. Beemster has enhanced traditional Gouda with delicious spices and herbs. Some tastes are more familiar to American palates (garlic, fine herbs, and black pepper) whereas others (mustard and nettles) are delicious changes of pace. In Holland, people often spread mustard on mild cheeses to liven them up. Celebrating this tradition, Beemster with Mustard uses whole mustard seeds in its cheese. Beemster with Nettles may also be worthy of explanation. In Europe, nettles (wild herbs) are used to flavor everything from cheese to pasta sauce. These slightly bitter green herbs add interesting depth to cheese without dramatically changing its nature.

Varieties sold separately. Try them all.

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 10 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

Eighteen pound logs of Smoked Gouda are produced in Holland in some of the world's most modern, computerized dairy plants. Yet, the cheese is still smoked in ancient brick ovens over smoldering hickory chip embers. Available natural or flavored, this cylindrically shaped cheese is perfect for impromptu picnics, party platters or midnight snacks. Note: the brown, smoky rind is not only edible, it's the best part of the cheese!

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 6 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

Varieties sold separately.

We experienced a moment of culinary divinity when we first sampled this double-aged Gouda. Previously, we doubted that any cheese could be more flavorful than Beemster's 18-month Aged Gouda, but their X.O. indeed sets a new bar. With this 26-month gouda, we first noticed its delicate, brittle texture. After we tasted it, the flavor of butterscotch permeated the palate, followed by alternating waves of whiskey and pecan.

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 24 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

Reypenaer V.S.O.P. is truly a Dutch gourmet cheese showpiece. Magnificent and well deserved of the V.S.O.P. designation. This delicious gourmet cheese from the Netherlands is matured for about 2 years and during that maturation sheds approximately 25% of its original weight. The white spots you will see on the surface indicate the start of mineral and protein crystallization. In comparison to most cheeses that are aged from a few weeks to a few months, this is a masterpiece long in the making. We also have a Reypenaer, aged for just 1 year and already tasting 'old' and the oldest of the bunch a Reypenaer XO Reserve which is aged 3 years. Aroma and flavor are superb. Sharp and tangy. Well recommended and arguably one of the greatest Dutch hard cheeses. We sell Reypenaer V.S.O.P. in pieces of 8 ounces or 1 pound.

Eighteen pound logs of Smoked Gouda are produced in Holland in some of the world's most modern, computerized dairy plants. Yet, the cheese is still smoked in ancient brick ovens over smoldering hickory chip embers. Available natural or flavored, this cylindrically shaped cheese is perfect for impromptu picnics, party platters or midnight snacks. Note: the brown, smoky rind is not only edible, it's the best part of the cheese!

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 6 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

Varieties sold separately.

On a recent trip to Holland, we discovered a limited production Dutch chevre created in 1993 by the Van Dijk family. Dorothea, named after the Van Dijk's mother, was created at the request of the famous chef Cas Spijkars. Cas wanted to win the annual Dutch award for "Most Unusual Food" and thought that a flavored goat cheese might do the trick. They began experimenting with a secret ingredient - potato skins - chosen because the potato is an important food in Dutch culinary tradition. But Cas thought that initial efforts with the cheese/potato combination fell a little flat, so they kept working. Finally, after tweaking the recipe by adding some basil oil, coriander oil and chopped onion, Cas and the Van Dijks had completed their masterpiece - and subsequently won the award!

Each wheel of Dorothea (only 4,000 are made per year) is pampered with the optimum aging conditions. Humidity and temperature are meticulously adjusted every few days to assure proper maturation. This wonderfully delicious cheese is made from pasteurized milk but retains all of the taste for which goat's milk is famous. It is aged over 60 days to develop a full, nutty flavor and a body that is firm, but not hard enough to grate. Dorothea has an aroma reminiscent of the fresh outdoors and an unforgettable flavor.

• Made from pasteurized goat's milk, aged 60 days.
• Photo depicts whole 10 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

Over twenty years ago, we had a request from the man who originated "The Cellar" at Macy's. "I want the Dutch Goat cheese I tasted when I was in Holland," he said. We took a trip to Amsterdam and inquired on his behalf to all of our suppliers and any cheese producers we could find. We had no success. There was not an ounce of Dutch goat cheese anywhere! Two decades since that adventure, Dutch goat cheese is still a rarity, except, that is, for Goat Gouda. A few entrepreneurial Dutchmen discovered that Gouda, the cheese people most commonly associate with Holland, could be made from goat's milk as well. Goat Gouda has proven wildly popular in Europe and is starting to turn heads here in the States, too. This satiny, bright white cheese is now manufactured by several Dutch cheese producers, but in our opinion, our Chevre Blanc brand is the best Goat Gouda around. If you like goat cheese, we strongly suggest you try this tangy, satiny, mouth-watering gem.

• Made from pasteurized goat's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 10 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

This special Manchego is aged for over 12 months, giving it a sharper, nuttier flavor and a firmer, more brittle texture than its younger namesake. It is produced in Central Spain's La Mancha region; a territory known for its fierce winds, violent temperature swings, and desert-like aridity. Manchego Reserve is made using traditional methods under strict quality guidelines. We especially love this cheese served with Rioja wine and fresh fruit.

• Made from pasteurized sheep's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 7 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

We admit - we had to try it to believe it. Our Gouda supplier told us that their Light Gouda tasted just as good as a typical full-fat variety, and it is true! This Gouda, with 30% less fat than the traditional recipe, does not taste waxy, cardboard-like, or have any other deficiency we've associated with light cheeses in the past. In fact, it is rich, creamy and delightful. If you love cheese but are trying to cut back on fat, our Gouda Light should be your first choice.

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Whole form of cheese is 24 lbs.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

Just thinking about this assortment of 3 half-pound cuts of wonderful Dutch cheeses makes our mouths water. The Dutch are world famous for their cheesemaking prowess and these selections will show you why...

• Extra Aged Gouda: Ripened for a full 18 months to develop a nutty, caramel-like flavor, this is the Gouda the Dutch keep for themselves! It is always a crowd pleaser. (8 oz.)
• Leyden: Dotted with cumin seeds, it is the rye bread of the cheese world. Wonderfully firm texture. (8 oz.)
• Dorothea: A real specialty and an igourmet.com exclusive, this wonderful goat's milk cheese flavored with potato skins and basil oil will send your taste buds into fits of pleasure! Even people who claim to dislike goat's cheeses love this one. (8 oz.)
• Maasdam: Originally created in Norway, then perfected in Holland, Maasdam is Dutch for baby swiss. This cheese offers a sweet, nutty flavor with a wonderfully tangy aftertaste.
• igourmet.com Signature Cheese Serving Knife: Specifically crafted for us at igourmet.com, this multi-function cheese knife is the perfect tool to easily slice uniform servings of your favorite cheeses.
• Mini Toasts: Perfect for serving with cheeses, fruit, and spreads when entertaining. (2.75 oz.)

This assortment ships with one half-pound of each cheese selection packed in a sturdy chocolate colored gift box with yellow ribbon.

• Please note that any item temporarily out of stock will be substituted with a similar item of equal value.

Baby Gouda makes an adorable addition to a "Create Your Own" gift basket, or can even be given as a gift all by itself. Say "Thank You" or "Get Well" by giving the gift of this creamy, semi-hard gouda. Enrobed in red or yellow wax and overwrapped in red cellophane, this baby is darling and delicious.

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 9 oz. form.

The Dutch have been producing hand-made farmhouse Goudas for many centuries. Due to Holland's fertile soil and lush green pastures, its cows produce unusually rich milk which, in turn, leads to extra creamy cheeses. Gouda is the most famous of Dutch cheeses and is made from whole milk only. This semi-soft cheese has a creamy, yellow body with irregular holes and a natural yellow rind. For export, Goudas are always coated in red wax. But we have brought in a shipment of yellow waxed Gouda, the product intended for the European market, so you can enjoy the same rich Dutch Gouda that is enjoyed in its homeland.

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole 24 lb. form.

Holland, famous for Edam and Gouda cheeses, is not known for producing sheep's milk varieties. In fact, all of Holland's sheep's milk comes from the island of Texel. Thus, the reason behind the naming of this fabulous new cheese. We say new cheese, even though its name is Old Texel. While Old Texel is a relatively new creation, first produced only 15 years ago, it is called Old Texel because it is aged for over a year. Young Texel would be a less aged variety of the same cheese.Smooth and nutty in flavor, Old Texel melts in the mouth, offering up hints of butterscotch and sea salt. Its texture is firm yet sliceable, making it suitable for sandwiches. However, we prefer it chunked and enjoyed as a snack or hors d'oeuvre. A truly excellent cheese, serve it with fresh fruit and a glass of your favorite red wine.

• Made from pasteurized sheep's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 8 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

Roomkaas is literally translated in Cream Cheese, but it is not the spreadable cream cheese we know today. It is a Dutch Gouda-style double-cream cheese, made from cow's milk. This young, Dutch Gouda's creamy buttery taste and semi-soft texture will make it a family favorite. If the cheese is left out of the fridge for a while it is almost spreadable. But whatever the temperature of the cheese, Roomkaas will literally melt in your mouth. It makes a wonderful creamy addition when melted on sandwiches or into casseroles. We cut and wrap this cheese in wedges of 8 ounces and 1 pound.

Eighteen pound logs of Smoked Gouda are produced in Holland in some of the world's most modern, computerized dairy plants. Yet, the cheese is still smoked in ancient brick ovens over smoldering hickory chip embers. Available natural or flavored, this cylindrically shaped cheese is perfect for impromptu picnics, party platters or midnight snacks. Note: the brown, smoky rind is not only edible, it's the best part of the cheese!

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 6 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

Varieties sold separately.

This cheese is every bit as good as it sounds! Basiron is a creamy-tasting, gouda-style Dutch cheese jazzed up with pesto. Perfectly balanced and extremely addictive, this glitzy cheese "shows off" for Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, or almost any occasion. Its ingredients include pasteurized cow's milk, vegetarian rennet, and pesto (basil and garlic). It has 50% fat in dry matter and is aged approximately 5-6 weeks for a firm, yet youthful texture. The Veldhuyzen family in Holland, whose cheese making tradition dates back to the 1800s, makes a variety of innovative cheeses.

Although Basiron is a show stopper on the cheese board, its festive color is always ready to complement a tray of vegetables or equally colorful cheeses such as red-waxed gouda or edam. For a bright and flavorful dish with a twist of flavors, shred Basiron over gnocchi or pasta smothered in your favorite pasta sauce.

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Suitable for vegetarians.
• Photo depicts whole 10 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the half pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

One of the rarest, most sought after Dutch specially-cured cheeses has been made in the southern provinces of the Netherlands for over 800 years - Extra Aged Farmer Gouda. Easy to distinguish, it is the dairy world's equivalent of a Rembrandt or Van Gogh. This edible opus magnum has been matured for eighteen months, allowing its body to develop a muted caramel color, matched by an intense flavor with a sweet finish. Extra Aged Gouda can be grated or chunked.

Our Extra Aged Gouda is aged 18 months and is produced by CONO Kaasmakers under the Beemster brand. CONO is located in Northern Holland, famous for its rich milk and fertile grazing land.

• Made from pasteurized cow's milk.
• Photo depicts whole 24 lb. form of cheese.
• We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
• Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.