Amsterdam: Premium Henri Willig Cheese Tasting Experience

Cheese tasting in Amsterdam can be surprisingly fun. This one pairs mustard-and-dip flavor choices with a real family story, all in about an hour. I like the way you learn the Dutch cheese-making basics while you eat, and I like that the tasting includes a serious amount of samples, not sad little bites. One heads-up: the venue isn’t set up for mobility impairments, and you may deal with stairs to reach your spot.

In practice, the host experience really matters here. I’ve seen names like Quinten, Martin, and Suzanne pop up as guides, and the common thread is clear explanations plus room for questions. Another very real plus is the 10% discount at the end, which makes it easier to leave with cheese instead of just memories.

Key things to know before you go

• 10 pieces of Gouda-style cheese: different flavors and milk types, served with crackers
• Dips and mustard, not just plain cheese: you taste how toppings change the same cheese
• A short film + family story: you learn the production side, then connect it to what’s on your plate
• 2 included drinks: wine or beer are commonly mentioned, plus other pairings like port
• 10% shop discount after the tasting: helpful if you plan to buy to take home
• English hosting: the experience is led in English

Where Henri Willig fits in the heart of Amsterdam

This tasting happens in old Amsterdam, inside (or right by) the Henri Willig cheese shop world. That location matters because you’re not touring a random factory site hours away. You can do this as a relaxed stop between canal wandering and dinner, and then stay in the shop area if you want to buy.

The vibe is part tasting room, part learning session. You’ll get guided storytelling, a short film, and then a structured sequence of samples. The whole thing is designed to be paced for flavor discovery, not for rushing to the finish line.

Price and what you truly get for $21

At about $21 per person for 40 minutes to 1 hour, the value hinges on what’s included. You’re not paying only for cheese samples. You also get multiple dips and mustard pairings, crackers, water, and two drinks.

Add the 10% discount at the end, and the price starts to look less like an event fee and more like a smart way to taste first. If you plan to buy cheese anyway, tasting helps you pick better than guessing in a shop window.

The host-led flow: story, then samples, then answers

Your tasting is led by a professional cheese host in English, and the experience centers on Henri Willig and the Willig family. Expect an introduction that connects the brand name to the Dutch tradition, then a guided run through the cheese lineup.

A big reason this works is the tone. Multiple guides are described as funny and engaging (Quinten gets mentioned for both knowledge and humor, and Martin for being informative and practical). When the host keeps things light but specific, you actually remember what you taste and why it’s different.

You also get to meet members of the Henri Willig cheese crew. That matters because it turns a shop visit into something closer to a family business conversation, not a one-way sales pitch.

The short film: how Dutch cheesemaking turns into your first bite

Between the introduction and the main tasting, there’s a small film showing the Dutch cheesemaking process. Even if the film is in Dutch, it’s set up so you can follow along with subtitles in English (and at least some sessions note subtitles or multiple language options).

Why this part matters: it gives you vocabulary for what you’re tasting. When you can connect milk type and aging style to flavor, the tasting stops feeling random. Instead, it feels like you’re building a simple mental map of Dutch cheese.

Expect a quick, focused education. It’s not meant to turn you into a dairy scientist by dessert time. It’s meant to help you taste with intent.

What you actually eat: 10 Gouda pieces with dips and mustard

The core of the experience is the tasting itself. You’ll receive 10 pieces of Gouda cheese, with different flavors and milk types, plus crackers. Each cheese is paired with traditional dips and mustard, along with multiple dip sauces during the session.

This pairing system is the star of the show. Cheese alone can be delicious but harder to compare. Dips and mustard make the differences obvious, because the same cheese changes character depending on what you add.

If you’re the type who likes learning by comparing, this structure is built for you. You go from one sample to the next, then you notice things like how acidity, sweetness, or spice influences the way the cheese hits your palate.

One practical detail: don’t rush the tasting. Take a breath between samples and let the pairing do its job. The whole point is noticing subtle shifts, not speed-eating your way through.

Drinks included: wine or beer, plus port-style pairings

Two drinks come with the tasting. In reports from different sessions, people often mention choices like wine or beer, and some pairings that include port. The exact drink selection can vary by session, but the method stays consistent: drinks are part of the pairing, not just an afterthought.

Here’s how to use the drinks to your advantage. If you’re trying to learn, keep the first sample mostly plain (or with only the scheduled dip) and use the drink pairing as a second layer. That way you can separate what the cheese is doing from what the beverage is doing.

If you prefer one drink type, ask your host what’s being paired with the next cheese. The hosts you’ll meet here tend to explain the why behind the combo, which makes the flavors easier to remember later.

The 10% discount: how to turn tasting into take-home cheese

At the end, you get 10% off purchases in the store. This is genuinely useful because the tasting functions like a guided sampling menu. You can point to what you liked and buy with confidence.

If you’re limited on suitcase space, you can still use the discount strategically. Pick fewer items, but choose them based on what you actually tasted with specific dips and mustard. That’s how you avoid the classic problem of loving one bite, then regretting the whole wheel at home.

Also, one bonus that shows up in the overall experience: people describe leaving happy with the amount of cheese they sampled and not feeling forced into extra buying. The discount is there, but it’s tied to your preferences, not pressure.

Accessibility and physical logistics: stairs are the main issue

This activity isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments. Reviews also mention stairs up to the venue, so it’s worth planning accordingly.

If you have mobility limits, check with the operator ahead of time about step-free access. If there’s no good route, you’ll save yourself stress and still be able to enjoy a cheese tasting in another format.

Who should book this Henri Willig experience

This works especially well if you want three things at once: flavor education, a family-business story, and a set tasting format with multiple pairings. It’s a great stop for food lovers and people who like structured tastings.

It’s also a solid choice if you’re visiting Amsterdam for a short time. At 40 minutes to 1 hour, you don’t lose a half day. You get a clear experience arc: story → film → tasting → discount.

If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t sure about cheese, this is still a smart bet. The dips and mustard help make each cheese feel different, even for beginners.

Tips to get the most from your hour

First, go in with a simple goal: identify your favorites and learn what made them work. Ask the host which pairing is best for the next cheese, especially if you prefer sharper or milder flavors.

Second, pace your sips. Drink when you’re ready to compare, not just because the glass is there. The pairings are part of the learning.

Third, save a little room in your plans for the shop. The tasting discount is there for a reason, and you’ll likely leave with ideas for what to take home.

Finally, if you have dietary needs, ask. One person with celiac reported they were offered a separate cheese setup so their cheese didn’t touch crackers. That suggests the host may be willing to think through cross-contact, but you should confirm your needs directly with them before you arrive.

Should you book this tasting?

Book it if you want an easy, high-value cheese education in central Amsterdam, paired with multiple dips, mustard, and two drinks, plus a discount that helps you buy what you actually like. The short film and guided story make it more than a simple sampling flight.

Skip or reconsider if stairs are a problem for you. Also, if you dislike structured food tastings where everything comes in order, you might prefer a looser shop-only tasting elsewhere.

If you’re planning to buy cheese anyway, this is the kind of experience that helps you spend your money more thoughtfully. You’ll leave knowing what you like, not just that cheese was good.

FAQ

How long does the Henri Willig cheese tasting last?

The experience runs about 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the specific starting time.

What is included in the tasting?

You get 10 pieces of different Gouda cheese, dips and mustard, crackers, 2 drinks, water, and a story plus a short film about cheesemaking.

How many drinks are included?

Two drinks are included as part of the tasting.

Is the tour offered in English?

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

Where do I meet for the tasting?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Is there a discount at the end?

Yes. You receive 10% off purchases in the store after the tasting.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this experience suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.