Amsterdam: Premium Henri Willig Cheese Tasting Experience

Cheese class, tucked into old Amsterdam. This Henri Willig experience turns a simple tasting into a guided lesson, with mustard-and-dip pairings and a short film on Dutch cheesemaking. I especially like two things: the way you get a focused set of 10 Gouda cheese pieces to compare side by side, and the chance to hear the Henri Willig family story from hosts (from Quinten to Heloise) who keep things friendly and easy to ask questions about. One consideration: the venue involves stairs, so it’s not a good match if you have mobility limitations.

At around 40 minutes to 1 hour, it’s a smart add-on for a day of canal walks and museum hopping. You also get 2 included drinks, cheese crackers and water, then a 10% discount to keep browsing in the store afterward.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• 10 pieces of different Gouda cheeses to taste, not just a couple of samples
• 3 dip sauces plus mustard so you learn how flavor changes with pairings
• A short film that explains Dutch cheesemaking (shown with English subtitles in at least one session)
• 2 included drinks with multiple options mentioned across different guide-led sessions
• A Willig family introduction hosted by the shop team, sometimes led by names like Martin or Sergei
• 10% off purchases at the end, making it easy to buy cheese to take home

Where this Henri Willig tasting fits in old Amsterdam

This tasting is built for the location: you’re in the heart of Amsterdam, close enough to slot in between sightseeing blocks. The experience is set up inside the Henri Willig cheese shop, so you’re not just eating samples and leaving. You’re tasting your way toward buying—without feeling pressured.

The vibe is part classroom, part shop hangout. A host greets you in English, introduces you to Henri Willig and the family, then gives you a simple framework for what you’re tasting and why it might taste different from the next bite. If you like food experiences that teach you how to notice things—salt, aroma, texture—you’ll have a good time.

Do note the practical side: it’s not described as mobility-friendly. Even if you’re fine with short indoor stairs, I’d still wear comfortable shoes, because this is one of those places where the tasting happens up above the street level.

The 40–60 minute flow: what happens from start to finish

Your session follows a clear sequence, so you always know what’s coming next.

First, you meet the host and get the Henri Willig overview. This is where you’ll hear the story of the family business and what makes their cheese-making approach distinct, plus a quick primer on how to taste.

Next comes a short film about Dutch cheesemaking. You get the story visually, and at least one session notes the film is in Dutch with English subtitles, which helps if you want the details without needing to hunt for translation.

Then the tasting begins. You’ll sample 10 pieces of different Gouda cheeses. They’re served alongside cheese crackers, plus dips and mustard. The dips are part of the lesson: the idea is that you don’t just taste cheese as-is—you taste it with pairings and compare how your impression changes.

Finally, you get 2 drinks included. These are served with the tasting (and some sessions include wine, beer, and a port pairing depending on the setup), and then the host sends you to the store area to shop with your 10% discount.

The whole rhythm is quick enough that you won’t feel stuck on a timed activity, but structured enough that you’ll leave knowing what you liked and why.

Your cheese flight: 10 Gouda pieces that help you compare

The headline is simple: 10 pieces of different Gouda cheeses, not a few bites that blur together. Each piece represents a different flavor and milk type angle, so you can build real comparisons as you go.

What I like about this setup is that it trains your palate without turning it into homework. Instead of one cheese with ten minutes of rambling, you get a sequence of samples. You can actively decide what direction you prefer: sweeter, nuttier, sharper, smoother, more complex—then watch how your choices shift once the dips and mustard enter the picture.

Because all the cheese is Gouda (in different styles/variations), the tasting also makes sense for first-timers. You’re not expected to identify a dozen different types of cheese across multiple countries. You’re learning within a consistent category—so your brain has a fair way to compare.

Also, the tasting portion is described as generous in multiple sessions. If you’re doing this as your main food experience for the hour, it should feel like you got your money’s worth.

Mustard and dips: how the host teaches you to taste better

This is where the experience gets practical.

You don’t just get cheese; you get 3 different dip sauces and mustard to pair with it. The point is not to drown the cheese. It’s to give you different flavor cues. Mustard brings sharpness and tang. Dips can add sweet, creamy, or spiced notes depending on the sauce. When you switch between them, you start noticing texture and finish—how the flavor develops after the first bite.

One thing I’d watch for during your tasting: taste a cheese plain, then try it with one dip, then again with mustard. That simple order helps you avoid mixing impressions. If you go straight to dipping everything, you may still have fun, but you’ll miss the learning part.

This pairing approach is also why many people love the session even if they don’t consider themselves cheese experts. The host guides you through what to notice, and then you get to try it for yourself.

The drinks aren’t an afterthought

You get 2 drinks included, and the experience doesn’t treat them as filler.

Some sessions mention wine or beer options, and at least one pairing includes port wine served alongside different cheeses. The best way to think about this: drinks add another dimension to your tasting. They can soften sharpness, highlight salt, or bring out sweetness depending on the cheese style.

If you have preferences, it’s smart to ask your host what’s being served for your session. One key detail from the experience notes is that you’re not limited to only wine—options like beer are referenced in different guide-led sessions.

Meeting the Henri Willig team (and why the guides matter)

This tasting is family-business energy. You’ll hear the Henri Willig story, but what makes it feel real is that the hosts bring personality to the talk—some sessions are described as funny, others as warm and encouraging, and many focus on making questions easy.

Guide names that show up in the session descriptions include Quinten, Heloise, Martin, Sergei, and Sjors, plus Suzanne and Ado credited in one experience. You don’t need to memorize names, but it’s helpful to know the delivery style isn’t stiff. When the guide is comfortable guiding a small group, you get better explanations and faster follow-up.

One extra plus: the tasting can run in a smaller group. Some sessions are described as just two or three people, which makes the experience feel more like a conversation than a production line. If you hate standing in a crowd trying to hear over other people, this is the kind of tour that can work well.

The store visit and the 10% discount decision

After the tasting, you get 10% off purchases in the store. This matters more than it sounds.

First, you’ll have a clear reference point for what you liked. During the tasting, your host pairs cheeses with dips and mustard. Afterward, you can shop with confidence instead of buying blind.

Second, you may want to think about packing. Cheese is easy to overbuy because the samples are so good and the store makes it tempting. If you’re flying, it helps to decide early: will this be one or two cheeses, or a full haul for the flight home?

There’s also an added practical note from session descriptions: the shop can ship cheese internationally if you can’t bring it back in your suitcase. If you’re planning ahead for longer trips or strict luggage limits, that’s a big safety net.

Price and value: is $21 worth it?

At $21 per person, this tasting is positioned as a small, high-impact experience. What you’re getting for that price is not just a “try a few bites” setup.

You get:

• 10 pieces of different Gouda cheeses
• dips and mustard (including 3 dip sauces)
• cheese crackers and water
• 2 included drinks
• a host-led story and a short film
• a 10% store discount after the tasting

So the value comes from the bundle. Many food tastings fail at one of these: either too little food, too little context, or no meaningful reason to buy afterward. Here, the structure supports the full loop—taste, learn, then shop with a discount.

If you’re the type who likes to leave knowing what you enjoyed and how to replicate it at home (with mustard and dip pairings), this price makes a lot of sense. If you only want to eat and don’t care about the story or the film, you might feel it’s slightly more structured than you want—but the tasting portion still does the heavy lifting.

Practical tips before you go (so the hour feels smooth)

• Plan on asking questions. The format works best when you speak up, especially when you’re sampling the plain cheese vs. paired flavors.
• Wear comfy shoes. The venue includes stairs, and it’s noted as not suitable for mobility impairments.
• If you have dietary needs, ask in advance. One session description notes special handling for celiac, but since that isn’t listed as a formal guarantee, your best move is to raise it before you arrive.
• Go earlier in the day if you want to shop. The tasting ends with the store discount, so you’ll get more value if you’re not rushing out to catch a train.
• Don’t overthink drink choice. Just match your drink vibe to your cheese preference. If you like sharper flavors, a tangier pairing can help. If you prefer mellow cheese, smoother drink choices can balance it out.

Who should book this Henri Willig tasting?

Book it if:

• you love cheese and want a guided comparison using mustard and dip pairings
• you want an English-led experience with a short film and a story behind the product
• you like the idea of leaving with specific cheeses you know you’ll enjoy later

It may not be the best fit if:

• you need step-free access (the experience is not suitable for mobility impairments)
• you only want a casual snack with zero teaching or structure
• you’re allergic to dairy or have complex needs that require guaranteed cross-contact control (ask first)

Should you book the Amsterdam Henri Willig tasting?

Yes—if you want a compact, high-value food experience that teaches you how to taste and then lets you turn that knowledge into a purchase. The combination of 10 Gouda pieces, 3 dip sauces plus mustard, and 2 included drinks makes the hour feel substantial, not skimpy.

Also, the store discount is a practical bonus. If cheese is in your Amsterdam plans—whether as a souvenir or a future dinner idea—you’ll leave with better choices.

If you’re curious but unsure, choose the session time when you won’t feel rushed afterward. Then you can enjoy the tasting fully and still have room to browse with your 10% savings.

FAQ

How long is the Amsterdam Henri Willig cheese tasting?

The tasting lasts about 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the session time.

Where is the tasting located?

It takes place in the heart of old Amsterdam in the Henri Willig store area, with the exact meeting point varying by option booked.

What is the price per person?

The price is $21 per person.

What cheeses are included in the tasting?

You’ll taste 10 pieces of different kinds of Gouda cheese.

What accompaniments are included with the cheese?

You get dips and mustard (including 3 different dip sauces & mustard), plus cheese crackers and water.

Are drinks included?

Yes, 2 drinks are included.

Is the tour offered in English?

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

Is there a discount at the end?

Yes, you get a 10% discount on purchases in the store at the end of the tasting.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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

Is it suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it’s listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.