Some cheese tours move fast. This one doesn’t waste your time.

In the heart of Amsterdam, you’ll spend about an hour in a cheese-shop attic next to the Tuschinski Theater while a host guides you through Henri Willig Cheese and how it’s made. I love that the format mixes a short film with hands-on tasting, so you’re not just staring at a board. I also like that you get real variety: 10 Gouda pieces with different flavors and milk types, plus the dips and mustard that make the samples easy to compare.

There’s one catch to know up front. You only get two included drinks, and if you’re hoping for unlimited wine or beer, this isn’t that kind of evening. If you’re sensitive to screen brightness, note that a few guests found the video hard to read.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• A top Amsterdam cheese shop setting in an attic space near the Tuschinski Theater
• 10 Gouda samples plus 3 dips and mustard to help you taste, not just nibble
• Two included drink choices (beer, wine, port, apple, or orange juice) for pairing
• A short film on the Henri Willig story and cheesemaking process
• A 10% store discount so you can turn favorites into souvenirs

The Attic Stop: Reguliersbreestraat 24 by the Tuschinski Theater

This tasting starts at Reguliersbreestraat 24 (1017 CN), right in central Amsterdam. The address matters because you don’t want to spend your whole hour hunting for the place. It’s also near public transportation, so it’s easy to plug into an afternoon walking route.

The venue is part of the charm: you’ll be in the tasting attic next to the Tuschinski Theater. That location gives you two wins. First, it’s a solid neighborhood base if you plan to see sights before or after. Second, the shop space tends to make the experience feel like a real local stop, not a tourist-only studio.

You’ll meet your live host and get the pacing of the hour right away. The group stays small (maximum 30 travelers), and that size is usually where quality happens: you can hear the guide, ask a question, and keep your attention on the cheese boards instead of competing for space.

One practical tip: arrive on time, because the experience is built as a sequence—story, film, tasting, then store time. If you show up late, you can end up rushing the part that helps you understand what you’re tasting.

10 Gouda Pieces, Dips, Mustard: How the Tasting is Built

The heart of this tour is simple: 10 pieces of Gouda cheese in different styles, flavors, and milk types. You’ll also get 3 dips (plus mustard), and there are crackers along the way to make the pairing work.

I like this design because it solves a common cheese-tasting problem: people get overwhelmed and stop paying attention. With 10 distinct samples, you’re guided to compare, not just consume. And the dips and mustard act like a tasting tool. They can shift saltiness, tang, or sweetness, so you start to notice what changes with each bite.

Here’s what you’re doing while you taste:

• Learning what makes each sample different (not just that it’s good)
• Using the dips and mustard as a “control” for comparison
• Getting a sense of which cheeses you’d want to buy later

Also, the board-style setup helps. It encourages an interactive pace where you can move across flavors and find your personal favorites. If you’re the type who likes to leave with a short list—three cheeses to buy for yourself, two as gifts—this format is built for you.

One more detail I appreciate: the tour doesn’t pretend beer and wine are the main event. The drinks support the tasting, but the focus stays on the cheese. That’s exactly what many cheese lovers want.

Beer or Wine Pairings: Choosing Your Two Drinks

You get 2 included drinks, and you choose between options like:

• local beer
• white or red wine
• port wine
• apple juice or orange juice

This is a smart pairing structure for a 1-hour experience. Two drinks is enough to explore flavor combinations without turning the tasting into a long buzz-fest. It also means you’ll likely stay focused on the cheese through all 10 samples.

How should you choose? Use the cheese mood:

• If you want something classic and low-effort, go with beer or white wine—they’re easy with many Gouda styles.
• If you like richer flavors, red wine or port can make the salty, creamy notes feel warmer and deeper.
• If you’d rather keep your palate clean (or you’re driving), apple or orange juice can still work as a bright counterpoint.

One thing to watch: some cheese tastings quietly steer your picks after you arrive. Here, your tour info indicates you can choose your two drinks among the listed options, but there’s a limit. A guest once found it uncomfortable when asking for more alcohol was shut down after reaching the limit. So go in expecting a set amount, not a refill policy.

If you’re traveling with friends, agree on your selections before you go—then you can compare tastes with less confusion later.

Henri Willig’s Family Story on Screen and In Person

The experience doesn’t stop at cheese. You’ll also hear the full story of Henri Willig and get support from a small film about the cheesemaking process.

This is where the tour becomes more than a snack-and-sip event. The guide explains the background behind the brand—how the family is involved and what the process looks like. In at least one case, the host was part of the founder family (a grandson was specifically mentioned). That kind of connection tends to make the talk more than just scripted facts.

You’ll also notice that different hosts bring different energy. Names that came up include Suzanne, Serge, and Quinton. Some guides were described as funny and entertaining, with plenty of engagement. That matters because a good host keeps the story short and ties it back to the food you’re tasting right now.

Now, the drawback to keep in mind: the film portion can be a weak spot for some people. One recurring issue was that the screen/video was hard to see or read because of lighting. Another issue was pace—some felt the presenter spoke so quickly that it was hard to follow everything.

If you want to reduce stress:

• Keep your focus on the cheese bites during the film portion
• If subtitles are hard to read, treat the film as context, not the main lesson
• Ask the guide questions—live explanations are easier to catch than fast audio on a screen

Leave with Holland: The 10% Store Discount

After the tasting, you’re set up to buy the cheeses you liked. This tour includes a 10% discount in the store, which can turn your hour of sampling into a real take-home plan.

This discount is valuable for two reasons:

1. You’ll know exactly what you’re buying, because you tasted it in a structured order.
2. You’ll have a reason to focus on fewer purchases—but better choices—rather than grabbing random blocks.

If you’re building a Dutch cheese haul, use the tasting like a “menu.” Pick:

• one cheese you’d happily eat every week
• one that’s a little bolder (stronger flavor)
• one safer crowd-pleaser for gifts

Then buy those, and use the rest of your time in Amsterdam for walking, canals, and markets instead of guessing.

The store also makes the tasting feel practical. You’re not just learning; you’re consuming, comparing, and then shopping with confidence.

Is It Worth the $27.14? Who Should Book and Who Should Pass

At $27.14 per person for about 1 hour, this tasting can be excellent value if you like structure and variety. You’re getting 10 cheese samples, 3 dips and mustard, and 2 included drinks—plus the brand story and the film. For a short visit to central Amsterdam, that’s a lot packed into one stop.

The “worth it” factor usually depends on what you want from the hour:

• If you want a guided comparison of Gouda styles, with pairing help, this fits well.
• If you want unlimited alcohol, different drink rounds, or a long sit-down meal vibe, skip it. The drinks are limited and the cheese tasting is the priority.
• If you’re very picky about film/audio clarity, you may find that portion a bit uneven. Live explanation is the safer bet.

Small-group size helps with comfort. Maximum of 30 travelers is large enough for energy but small enough that you’re not swallowed by the crowd.

Who it suits best:

• cheese lovers who want a focused educational tasting
• wine/beer drinkers who want pairing without a heavy dinner schedule
• travelers who want a practical souvenir list after tasting

FAQ

How long is the Henri Willig cheese tasting in Amsterdam?

The tasting runs about 1 hour.

What’s included in the tasting?

You get 10 different Gouda cheese pieces, 3 dips and mustard, a live guide, a short film about the cheesemaking process, and 2 included drinks. You also receive a 10% discount in the store.

What drinks can I choose from?

You can choose two drinks from options including local beer, white or red wine, port wine, apple juice, or orange juice.

Is there a limit on drinks?

Yes. The tasting includes 2 drinks. Unlimited food and drinks are not included.

What if I have dietary requirements?

You should advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. Changes within 24 hours are not accepted.

You Might Also Enjoy

Amsterdam: Private Photoshoot for Couple, Family, or SoloAmsterdam: Foam Photography Museum Admission TicketWarmond: Windmill Cruise and Keukenhof Entry TicketAmsterdam Airport & Non-Airport Private Transfer to City Center