Not sure where to start with cheese? You’re not alone.
With hundreds of varieties, textures, and flavors out there, cheese can feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're building your first charcuterie board, exploring new pairings, or just trying to pronounce "Camembert" correctly, this beginner’s guide is here to help.

At Orrman’s Cheese Shop, we believe cheese should be fun, flavorful, and accessible — not fussy. Let’s dive in.

1. Cheese Basics: The 6 Types Every Beginner Should Know

To keep it simple, most cheeses fall into six categories:

1. Fresh – Soft, creamy, and mild
   Examples: Mozzarella, Ricotta, Chèvre (goat cheese)

2. Soft-Ripened – Bloomy rind + gooey interior
   Examples: Brie, Camembert

3. Washed Rind – Funky, bold, and a bit stinky (in a good way)
   Examples: Chablochon, Epoisses, Grayson

4. Semi-Hard – Firm, nutty, versatile
   Examples: Manchego, Appalachian, L’Amuse Gouda

5. Hard – Aged, crumbly, and packed with flavor
   Examples: Parmigiano Reggiano, Calvander, Prairie Breeze Cheddar

6. Blue – Marbled with blue mold for a punchy taste
   Examples: Gorgonzola Dolce, Roquefort, Bayley Hazen Blue

Orrman’s Tip: Start with 2–3 types you’re curious about. Come taste in-store — we love helping customers find their new favorite.

2. How to Taste Cheese (No Experience Required)

You don’t need to be a cheesemonger or fromager to taste cheese like a pro — just slow down and engage your senses:

• Look: Notice the color, rind, or marbling

• Touch: Is it firm, sticky, buttery?

• Smell: Fresh? Funky? Earthy?

• Taste: Let it warm slightly in your mouth before chewing — notice salty, sweet, tangy, or nutty notes

Try this: Buy a small wedge of something new, take notes, and compare it to what you already like. You’ll start discovering your cheese style in no time.

3. Easy Cheese Pairings That Always Work

You don’t need a wine cellar or fancy crackers to make cheese shine. Here are some easy, delicious pairings:

Pro move: Build a mini tasting plate with 3 cheeses + 3 pairings = instant date night or happy hour snack.

4. How to Build Your First Cheese Board (Stress-Free Formula)

To make your own cheese board, here’s a no-stress formula:

• 1 soft (like Fromager d’Affinois or fresh goat cheese)

• 1 firm/semi-hard (like aged Gouda or Manchego)

• 1 wild card (a blue or washed rind cheese for contrast)

• Add: Crackers, sliced baguette, dried fruit, nuts, jam, and something briny (olives or pickles)

Come by the shop and we’ll help you build one!

5. Why Buying Cheese From a Local Shop Makes a Difference

Buying cheese from a local shop like Orrman’s means:

• You can taste before you buy

• You get cheesemonger advice - that’s us!

• You support local producers and small farms

• You discover limited-release or seasonal cheeses not sold in supermarkets

“Cheese is personal — our job is to guide you, not overwhelm you.”

Ready to Explore Cheese?

Curious to try something new? Visit us in-store for a taste, or explore our curated cheese boxes online. Not local? We ship curated cheese boxes to most U.S. states, so you can explore from home.

Not sure where to start? Stop by and say hi — we’ll give you a taste and a few ideas you can’t Google.