Jacob and Margaret Schep immigrated to Canada from Holland with their children in 1981 bringing with them three generations of cheesemaking knowledge. In fact, Margaret's mother was a World Champion cheesemaker. Shortly after arriving, they set up a dairy farming operation just south of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Recognizing the lack of quality gouda-style cheese, they began making their own cheese and selling it. They use the same traditional recipes to make their Thunder Oak Gouda that Jacob’s aunts and uncle still use back home. Thunder Oak Gouda is a true "farmstead" cheese made using fresh milk from the family’s own dairy operation.
This extra aged Gouda has a big, rich, taste that is layered and complex with lots of caramel and toffee notes and hints of sweet grapefruit. Its firm fudge texture with lots of grana crystals make for a rich, crunchy experience in the mouth.  A traditional pairing for an aged gouda would be ale, bread and butter pickles. Can also be served with dates, dried figs and nuts.