Coolea is a cow's milk cheese produced on the farm of Dick and Sinead Willems in Coolea Co. Cork. Made since 1979, this Gouda style cheese has a yellow / orange wax with firm, closed texture and smooth pate. As the cheese matures, the pate becomes drier and finally the protein crystals are visible at 18 months of maturity.

Young Coolea is mild and buttery developing sweeter and caramel notes by 12 months. With further ripening, the flavors deepen and intensify which gives the cheese its characteristic toffee taste. The cheese is sold in three stages: Young Coolea available from 3 months, Mature Coolea available from 12 months and extra mature from 18 months.

Texture: close, crumbly, dense and firm

Rind: waxed

Color: yellow.