Old Amsterdam
A captivating Dutch masterpiece that brings centuries of cheese craftsmanship to your palate
7 min read · 1,470 words
I spent a month in Amsterdam once, supposed to be writing. Mostly I walked. One afternoon I ended up in Noordmarkt, no notebook, just rain and this overwhelming need to be inside somewhere that smelled like butter. A cheese stall run by a woman who called me lieverd before I’d even pointed at anything. She handed me a cube of Old Amsterdam on a wooden pick, and I did that thing Italians do when they’re trying not to be impressed. Failed immediately. It wasn’t the crystals: those come with any well-aged Gouda. It was the restraint. Eighteen months and it still remembered it was milk. No barnyard, no ammonia, just this clean, salty caramel thing that made me buy a wedge the size of my fist. I ate it on rye in my hotel room for three days, watching Dutch TV I didn’t understand. Still don’t know why that stuck. Maybe because I’d spent years chasing the loudest cheese I could find, and this one wasn’t shouting at all.
— Francesco
Explorefrom the couch
Old Amsterdam delivers a bold yet balanced flavor journey that begins with rich butterscotch and caramel notes that coat the palate. As you chew, nutty and savory dimensions emerge alongside subtle hints of toast and coffee. The aging process creates delightful protein crystals that provide a pleasant crunch against the otherwise firm but creamy texture. The flavor lingers with a slightly sweet finish balanced by the gentle sharpness characteristic of aged Gouda, creating a complex but approachable profile that evolves as it warms on the palate.
While it carries the Gouda name, it stands apart through its distinctive aging process and flavor development.
There are several varieties of Old Amsterdam available on the market today. Classic Old Amsterdam is the flagship product, aged for at least 12 months for its signature taste. Old Amsterdam Reserve undergoes extended aging for even more pronounced flavor crystals and complexity. Old Amsterdam Goat offers a tangy alternative made from goat's milk while maintaining the brand's characteristic aging process.
Old Amsterdam is produced exclusively in the Netherlands, where it benefits from the country's centuries-old cheesemaking tradition and expertise. The cheese is made by Westland Kaasspecialiteiten B.V., part of the family-owned Westland Cheese Group. The production capitalizes on the Netherlands' fertile pastures and temperate climate, which are ideal for dairy farming and create milk with optimal fat and protein composition for exceptional cheese.
Pickat the store
Finding perfect Old Amsterdam relies on identifying proper aging indicators and understanding the ideal balance between firmness and flavor development.
Old Amsterdam is a brand-name cheese, but not all wheels are created equal. Age matters: the classic is 18 months (balanced butterscotch and crunch), while the XO 36-month is a deeper, toffee-colored shard-fest for serious snacking.
Look
- Color. Look for a deep amber to golden-orange interior with visible white calcium lactate crystals throughout: these "cheese diamonds" indicate proper aging.
- Rind. Traditional red wax or black coating should be intact with no cracks or damage to ensure freshness.
- Structure. The cheese should appear firm but not dried out, with an even distribution of occasional small holes (eyes).
Smell
- Nutty base notes. A pronounced caramel-butterscotch aroma with subtle roasted nut undertones indicates proper aging.
- Balanced intensity. The aroma should be present but not overwhelming; too strong might indicate overaging.
- Absence of ammonia? Any ammonia smell suggests improper storage or overaging beyond optimal conditions.
Feel
- Firm but pliable. The cheese should resist slightly when pressed but not be rock-hard or rubbery.
- Crystal presence. Those crunchy protein crystals should be noticeable throughout, creating textural contrast.
- Even consistency. No excessive dryness around edges or inconsistent texture which might indicate improper storage.
Origin
The brand focuses on a single production source to maintain consistent quality, rather than being produced across multiple regions.
| Flags | Place and description |
|---|---|
| Netherlands. Sole producer and home of Westland Cheese Group | |
| N/A. Unlike generic Gouda, Old Amsterdam is a proprietary brand | |
| N/A. Production is not licensed to other countries or producers |
Label
- Watch out: Brand verification. Look for the authentic Old Amsterdam logo and packaging to avoid imitations; the distinctive red label against black wax coating is characteristic
- Retailer reputation. Purchase from specialty cheese shops or well-maintained supermarket cheese counters where proper storage and handling are priorities
- Production date. While already aged, extremely old stock might have been improperly stored; check for reasonable freshness dates
- Price point. Genuine Old Amsterdam commands a premium price; suspiciously inexpensive options may indicate compromised quality or authenticity
- Storage conditions. Observe how the cheese is stored at the retailer; properly refrigerated displays indicate better maintenance of quality
If You Can't Find It
Usein the kitchen
Preparation
- Controlling Intensity. Slice thinner for stronger flavor impact; thicker cuts highlight texture and mellower notes
- Common Mistakes. Serving too cold (mutes flavor), cutting too far ahead (dries out), or overpowering with competing strong flavors
- Melting Properties. Melts beautifully at moderate heat; high temperatures can cause separation due to age-related reduced moisture
- Rind Management. Unlike natural-rind aged cheeses, the protective wax coating is not edible and should be removed before serving
- Regional Twist. In the Netherlands, Old Amsterdam is often enjoyed with mustard on dark rye bread, while Americans typically pair it with sweeter accompaniments like honey or fig jam. French culinary traditions might incorporate it into a carefully balanced cheese course with fruit, while Mediterranean cuisines might combine it with olives and charcuterie for a saltier flavor profile.
Pairings
- Fruit Preserves. Fig jam, apple butter, or quince paste balance the savory aspects of the cheese with natural sweetness, mimicking the traditional Dutch pairing of cheese with fruit.
- Toasted Nuts. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds enhance the nutty undertones in the cheese through flavor reinforcement, while adding complementary crunch to the already crystalline texture.
Comparisons
This comparison positions Old Amsterdam within the broader context of aged cheeses, showing how it bridges the gap between everyday Gouda and more intensely flavored aged hard cheeses. Understanding these relationships helps with both substitution decisions and creating balanced cheese boards.
| Ingredient | Intensity | Flavor Profile | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Amsterdam | Bold | Caramel, nutty, slight sharpness | Cheese boards, sandwiches, cooking |
| Aged Beemster | Medium-Bold | Butterscotch, whiskey notes | Cheese boards, grating |
| Parmigiano-Reggiano | Very Bold | Savory, umami, crystalline | Grating, cooking, cheese boards |
| Mild Gouda | Mild | Buttery, sweet, mild | Sandwiches, snacking, melting |
Substitutes
No Old Amsterdam in sight? Grab a 18-month Boerenkaas Gouda or Parrano for similar butterscotch notes, or Beemster XO if you want the crunch. For grating, aged Edam works in a pinch. Most Dutch expat webshops ship worldwide: search “oude kaas kopen” plus your country to surface local importers.
Storage
- Unopened cheese. Keep in original packaging in the refrigerator (40-45°F/4-7°C) for up to 4 weeks.
- Cut wedges. Wrap tightly in cheese paper or parchment paper followed by loose plastic wrap for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Sliced cheese. Store in an airtight container with a slightly damp paper towel to maintain humidity for up to 7 days.
- Before serving. Remove from refrigeration 30-60 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop at room temperature.
Old Amsterdam offers a perfect introduction to premium aged cheese without the intimidation factor of more esoteric varieties. Its availability and consistent quality make it an excellent staple for cheese enthusiasts and casual consumers alike. Try it thinly sliced on rustic bread, melted into a grown-up grilled cheese, or as the star of a cheese board with fig jam and walnuts.
When shopping, remember that the genuine article will have visible crystallization and that characteristic butterscotch aroma: signs of proper aging that no young Gouda can match.
Old Amsterdam bridges the gap between everyday cheese and special occasion indulgence, bringing Dutch cheesemaking expertise to your table with every slice.
— Francesco
Last reviewed: February 21, 2026
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Now Send Old Amsterdam Down the Line
Good cooks don't guess. They share, too!
Help other home chefs discover old amsterdam and its secrets.
Now Send Old Amsterdam Down the Line
Good cooks don't guess. They share, too!
Help other home chefs discover old amsterdam and its secrets.
