Why does Gouda cheese smell so different (and delicious)?

Aroma is your first taste without eating

Our sense of smell is faster than our sense of taste. Before a piece of cheese even reaches your mouth, its scent already tells you something about what’s to come. Young Gouda has a soft, milky aroma. Aged Gouda, by contrast, often smells stronger, with earthy, caramel-like notes. That’s because during ripening, proteins and fats break down, releasing hundreds of volatile compounds—each one adding a layer of complexity to the smell.

The secret behind the scents

Ripening is the magic that explains why Gouda smells so different depending on its age. Young cheese has only been given a few weeks, so its aroma remains mild and creamy. Mature Gouda ripens for six months or more, developing nutty depth. Old Gouda, sometimes aged for years, can smell bold and spicy, filling a room with its character. The longer the cheese ripens, the more intense and layered its aroma becomes.

A mini cheese nose guide

If you’ve ever wondered how to recognize the scents of Gouda, think of it like a “nose guide”:

• Young Gouda: milky, buttery, sometimes even with a hint of yogurt.
• Mature Gouda: nutty, caramel tones, warm and inviting.
• Old Gouda: spicy, earthy, sometimes sharp with a crystalline texture to match.
• Herb Gouda: basil, fenugreek, truffle, or cumin add their own aromatic stories.

This variety is what makes Gouda such a fascinating cheese. A cheese plate is not just something you eat – it’s an experience for your nose as well as your taste buds.

Aroma meets experience

At the Gouda Cheese Experience, you don’t just hear about these differences—you experience them. From virtual milking to pressing curds yourself, you’re immersed in the process. You walk through centuries of history and discover why Gouda became a global icon. And at the end, the tasting session shows you exactly how young, mature, and old Goudas differ in smell and taste.

It’s no surprise that the GCE was featured in the news twice recently. Visitors from around the world are discovering how much fun it is to explore Gouda not only with your mouth but also with your nose.

The living tradition of the cheese market

Of course, Gouda’s aromas aren’t just found indoors. Since the 14th century, the city’s famous cheese market has been the stage for scents and stories. Farmers once negotiated prices with the traditional handclap ritual, surrounded by stacks of wheels that filled the air with their smell. Even today, in summer months, you can visit the cheese market in Gouda and step straight into the past. The sight of the yellow wheels, the sound of traders, and the unmistakable aroma of cheese make it an event for every sense.

Smelling is part of tasting

About 80% of what we perceive as taste, actually comes from our nose. That’s why smelling Gouda is more than just a first impression—it shapes the whole experience. A slice of young Gouda may taste sweeter if you focus on its creamy scent, while an aged Gouda can seem spicier once you notice its bold aroma. At the Gouda Cheese Experience, you’ll learn how smell and taste are inseparable partners.

Ready to follow your nose?

A visit to Gouda isn’t complete without letting your nose guide you. During the tasting you’ll compare several types side by side and discover how time transforms the scent of Gouda. It’s a journey that surprises even lifelong cheese lovers.

Curious? Book your tickets now for the Gouda Cheese Experience and step into the world of Gouda’s aromas. To plan your visit easily, you’ll find all practical info on our website. 

And if you’d like personal help, don’t hesitate to contact us – we’ll be happy to assist.