Milk: Cow, Pasteurized

Country: Netherlands, North Holland

Consistency:Firm

Accompaniment: Sweeter whites, heavier reds, beer

Beemster cheeses are made by a 100 year old farmers coop roughly located within the confines of a piece of reclaimed land (Beemster Polder). The lush grass growing on what was once the bottom of a lake, produces some of the best milk in The Netherlands. The cheese made with this milk is one of a kind. It is typically 20% less salty than other Gouda type cheese made in The Netherlands.

Originally this cheese was made only once a year when the flax (vlas) came off the land in the polder. When the cheese makers at Beemster discovered the recipe they thought it was too good to be made once a year only. Now the cheese is available all year round.

Beemster Vlaskaas is aged for a minimum of 5 months and by the time we sell it to our customers, it is nearer the 6-7 month mark. By then it has developed the almond notes and uniquely sweet-sharp finish that this cheese has become known for.

The cheese asks for something sweet or savory as a side.