Reypenaer Kaas

A cheese worth taking a moment to savour: with Reypenaer, the experience begins as soon as you cut the first piece. The brand is rooted in a distinctive cheese-ripening tradition in Woerden. In a historic cheese warehouse dating from 1906, selected cheeses are given time to develop their flavour and character. Its stone walls, wooden floors and shutters let the changing seasons play a part. Cool air slows the ripening process, while warmth speeds it up. Each cheese has time to find its own flavour.

Behind Reypenaer is the Van den Wijngaard family, with four generations of experience in cheese. The story began in 1936, when Piet van den Wijngaard received cheese in exchange for groceries. His son Jan later devoted himself entirely to ripening cheese. That attention to the process continues today: the cheeses are turned and brushed by hand, then assessed by the cheesemaster. The result is cheese in which you can taste the influence of time, care and changing conditions.

The Reypenaer range shows just how much difference ripening makes. The classic Reypenaer matures for one year, combining a smooth texture with creamy, salty, fruity and nutty notes. Reypenaer VSOP is given two years. It has a fuller, stronger flavour, fine crystals and aromas reminiscent of hazelnut and caramel, among others. For those who enjoy a distinctive aged cheese, there is Reypenaer XO Reserve. Matured for two and a half to three years, it develops a deep flavour and mature crystals.

Serve the cheeses on a cheeseboard to discover their differences side by side, or make Reypenaer the centrepiece of drinks with friends. Start with the youngest variety and then try the longer-matured cheeses to notice how the flavour changes. Reypenaer also makes a lovely gift for someone who enjoys exploring unusual cheeses. From the first soft, creamy impression to the powerful notes of the longest-matured cheese, the range invites you to slow down, savour each bite and find your favourite.