Beemster Cheese Review and Giveaway

I'm a big cheese girl. Whether it's grilled cheese, grated cheese over pasta, or even cheese flavored crackers I love it all. I don't discriminate against cheese :)

Beemster Cheese is a company from the Netherlands that has been making cheese for over a century. Beemster cheeses come from the pesticide-free pastures situated 20 feet below sea level.
After generations of making cheese it is a pleasure to be able to share with you, and your family, the traditions of Holland’s most delicious and versatile cheese: Beemster. Beemster’s long history as Holland’s most renowned cheesemaker has earned it the honor of being a supplier to the Royal Court of the Netherlands.; the highest honor to be bestowed upon a cheese company in Holland.
(Taken from website.)

This company clearly knows its cheese!! I was very excited when I was told I would be sent some assorted cheeses to try. Well a package showed up containing my cheesy goodness and I knew it was time to dig right in! I was also sent two Beemster mice, a cheese cutting board, and a reusable grocery bag all branded with the Beemster logo.



I was sent a slab of Vlaskaas cheese which says it's "pleasantly sweet and creamy" on the package, a slab of classic cheese which has matured for a minimum of 18 months, and a slab of lite cheese which has 33% less fat than a regular Gouda. It has matured for a minimum of 5 months. Lastly, I was sent a unique cylindrical shaped Wasabi cheese that is made with real Japanese horseradish.

Vlaskaas:


Beemster Vlaskaas is the newest addition to Beemster's line of Premium Gourmet Dutch Cheeses; however, is the oldest cheese recipe with the group of cheeses. When translated Vlaskaas mean Flax cheese. This delightfully sweet and creamy cheese was made only during the harvest festival of the flax for the workers to eat on thick slices of bread and with porridge while they worked and celebrated. In 2004 the harvest festival celebration was recreated as a community event. While digging through archives for information on the exact way to recreate the harvest festival the recipe for Vlaskaas was discovered. It was soon decided that after generations of rest it was time for Vlaskaas to live again! (Taken from website.)

This cheese was so creamy and melt in your mouth good. I've never tasted a cheese like this before. It did have a mild sweet taste to it as well. It has holes in it similiar to swiss cheese, but tastes nothing like swiss. It smelled rich and very fresh. It is a light golden yellow color. This cheese would be perfect served over crackers, grated over pasta, or just eaten by itself.

Beemster Classic:


Beemster Classic is regarded in the Netherlands as the signature Dutch cheese. Its complex taste is developed through natural aging for over 18 months in historic cheese warehouses.

Famous for its creamy texture and smooth, balanced flavor, Beemster Classic is amazing by itself or can be paired perfectly with a wide variety of wines from around the world. A true tradition in cheese making. (Taken from website.)

This cheese was my absolute favorite. It was extremely smooth, but creamy too. It was not as creamy as the Vlaskaas, but had a little but more structure and balance to it. The flavor was out of this world and it smelled very fresh. It reminded me of cheddar slightly too. It was a little bit darker in color than the previous cheese I mentioned. It also had the holes in it like swiss cheese does. I do think this cheese would be great paired with a nice wine. I could see someone pairing this with some nice focaccia crackers and a good bottle of wine, and taking it to the park for a picnic lunch.

Beemster Lite:


BeemsterLite Matured is the perfect alternative for cheese lovers who seek a true gourmet cheese. Beemster's philosophy has always been to bring the best possible taste to every consumer. Lite Matured achieves a superb taste with 33% less fat than regular “Gouda type" cheeses. Aged for 5 months Beemster Lite finely cheese lovers can have an afternoon cheese snack without feeling that they are ruining their diets. (Taken from website.)

Like the description says, this cheese is perfect for individuals who want the great taste of a delicious cheese but without all of the guilt afterwards. I am not a big fan of the taste of gouda cheese, so this cheese wasn't my favorite. I can appreciate it though.

Wasabi Cheese:

(Wasabi cheese being supported by the other cheeses because the shape of the cheese is awkward to take a picture of.)

Japanese Horseradish has long been an essential part of all sushi dishes. Now the distinctive, yet smooth, taste can be enjoyed in a deliciously creamy cheese.
Beemster Wasabi is great when melted on burgers, cubed in Asian salads, and blended into casseroles. Pairings: Sake, imported beer or Pinot Grigio. (Taken from website.)

I am not a fan of ANYTHING spicy, so I was not going to dare and venture into sampling this cheese. For the sake of my tastebuds I had my boyfriend sample the cheese. He's a big fan of spicy and will try practically anything. He said the cheese was extremely spicy. He could taste the zing of the horseradish and the wasabi instantly, but it didn't overpower the smoothness of the cheese. He said the flavor together was an interesting combination and like no other cheese he's had before. He definately gives it a thumbs up though.

I enjoy getting the chance to sample new foods, especially of different cuisines and Beemster helped me do this so I am very grateful.


GIVEAWAY RULES:
I will be picking TWO (2) winners to win an assorted cheese package that is similiar to what I reviewed, but not exactly the same.
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