Our Favorite Aged Cheddar Cheeses of 2025

Cheddar lovers, rejoice! If you’re the kind of person who gets excited over a nutty, sharp-as-a-tack block of cheese, then this one’s for you. In this guide, we’re diving deep into the wonderfully complex world of aged cheddar, what it is, how it’s made, and why some of our favorites from Gardner’s Wisconsin Cheese are the big cheese this year.

We’ll break down the differences between aged and regular cheddar, explore how time transforms texture and flavor, and show you why our 8-year, 13-year, and 17-year aged cheddars are some of the boldest bites of 2025. And yes, we’ll even tell you how to get them delivered right to your door with our cheese subscription box.

First Things First: What Is Aged Cheddar?

All cheddar starts the same way: milk is cultured, curdled, and pressed into blocks. But once those blocks are made, aged cheddar goes on a different path than its mild-mannered counterpart. Instead of being packaged and sold quickly (like mild or medium cheddar), aged cheddar is stored in carefully controlled environments for months, or even years.

As cheddar ages, it loses moisture, becomes firmer, and develops those rich, complex flavors that make your taste buds do a happy dance. From tangy to nutty, earthy to downright sharp, aged cheddar has depth that only time can create.

There are even different types of aging, including dry aged cheddar and cave aged cheddar, where cheeses mature in specific conditions that amplify flavor and texture. (Think cheese-spa, but with less cucumber water and more good bacteria.)

What Happens During the Aging Process?

So what really goes on behind those aging room doors? A lot of delicious science. Here’s a deeper look at how cheddar transforms over time:

• Moisture Evaporates: Cheddar starts losing moisture almost immediately after being pressed. Over time, this creates a denser, firmer texture and concentrates flavor.

• Proteolysis: This is a fancy word for the breakdown of proteins. As proteins degrade, new flavor compounds form, creating that deep umami characteristic of aged cheddar.

• Lipolysis: Another fancy word! This essentially means that fats are breaking down into flavorful fatty acids that contribute to nutty, buttery, and savory notes.

• Crystals Form: After a few years, you’ll notice calcium lactate or tyrosine crystals in the cheese. Those tiny crunchy bits are a hallmark of well-aged cheddar.

• Color Deepens: Especially in orange cheddar, aging can intensify the hue. Aged white cheddar doesn’t change color much, but it gets richer in flavor.

In some cases, cheeses are aged in natural caves or temperature-controlled cellars to take advantage of consistent humidity and airflow. This method of cave aging can introduce subtle earthy or musty notes that are prized by cheese aficionados. Meanwhile, dry aged cheddar is aged without sealed packaging, which encourages a firmer texture and more robust flavor.

The longer a cheddar ages, the more its smooth, creamy beginnings give way to dense, tangy sharpness. If you’ve ever tasted a cheddar that made you stop and say “Whoa,” you’ve met the power of time in action.

Nutritional Benefits of Aged Cheddar

Yes, it’s incredibly tasty, but aged cheddar also delivers a handful of impressive nutritional benefits that might just justify your next cheese board (not that we think you need a reason):

• Naturally Low in Lactose: During the aging process, most of the lactose (milk sugar) is broken down by bacteria. This makes aged cheddar a great option for people who are lactose intolerant or sensitive.

• Packed with Protein: Cheddar cheese is a great source of protein, with roughly 7 grams per ounce. That makes it a satisfying snack and a solid addition to any charcuterie board.

• Rich in Calcium & Phosphorus: Both are essential for bone health, and aged cheddar is an easy, delicious way to get more of them into your diet.

• Contains CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid): CLA is a beneficial fatty acid believed to support immune health and even fat metabolism. It’s more prevalent in dairy from grass-fed cows, something Wisconsin has plenty of.

• Zero Carbs: Naturally, cheddar has no carbohydrates, making it keto- and low-carb-friendly. (It’s only the crackers that’ll get you!)

• Source of Vitamins A, B2, and B12: These vitamins are essential for healthy skin, energy metabolism, and brain function.

So go ahead, treat yourself to another slice. With a profile like that, aged cheddar is a snack that loves you back.

Our Top Picks: The Best Aged Cheddar Cheeses of 2025

8-Year Super Sharp Cheddar

This one’s a showstopper. Aged for a full eight years, it’s tangy, bold, and dense with those satisfying crunchy crystals. It’s a classic example of how aging creates depth. Pair it with apples or dark chocolate, or just eat it straight from the block (we won’t judge).

This 8 year aged cheddar is a staple in our cheese subscription box and beloved by those who like their cheese with a little extra bite.

13-Year Super Sharp Cheddar

Lucky number 13 never tasted so good. This cheddar is seriously sharp and aged long enough to deliver a full-bodied, lingering finish that cheese lovers dream of. It’s got a deep golden hue, and a flavor that demands attention.

Perfect for anyone who wants to graduate from "cheese enthusiast" to "cheese scholar."

17-Year Super Sharp Cheddar

Seventeen. Years. Old.  That’s a cheese that’s old enough for a driver’s license. This ultra-aged cheddar is rare, rich, and ridiculously delicious. Complex, nutty, and sharp without being bitter, it’s the kind of cheese you pull out to impress guests (or keep all to yourself, we get it).

It’s also one of the crown jewels of our curated cheese subscription box, making an appearance as a surprise (and FREE) upgrade for loyal subscribers.

Dry Aged Cheddar

Dry aged means extra flavor, extra texture, and extra satisfaction. This variety is aged without additional moisture, creating a more concentrated, slightly crumbly block with a full cheddar punch. If you love aged cheddar cheese, this one deserves a spot on your board.

Honorable Mentions (a.k.a. Flavorful Friends)

While not technically aged cheddars, we’d be remiss not to mention a few flavorful favorites:

• Smokey Bacon Cheddar: Because bacon makes everything better.

• Holey Smoked Swiss & Cheddar: A smoky blend that’s hard to put down.

• Horseradish Cheddar: Zesty, spicy, and surprisingly snackable.

• Italian Herb Bruschetta Cheddar: A garden party in every bite.

Why Get Aged Cheddar Delivered?

We get it, great cheese takes time. And sometimes, it also takes a road trip. That’s why we created our cheese box of the month subscription. It brings the best of Wisconsin’s aged cheddar brands right to your door, packed cold and shipped fast.

Every box is a curated mix of gourmet cheese, artisanal meats, sauces, and more. Think of it as your personal cheese board, delivered monthly. It’s the easiest way to sample new flavors, revisit old favorites, and always have something delicious on hand.

Compared to other boxes out there, Gardner’s stands out for a few reasons:

• Wisconsin heritage and small-batch quality

• Rare finds like our 17-year cheddar

• Thoughtful curation and generous variety

• Nationwide delivery with peak freshness

• Surprise upgrades and rotating selections

Other companies may ship cheese, but we ship cheese, meats, jams, and joy.

Say Cheese to 2025

Aged cheddar is more than just a cheese, it’s a journey of flavor, texture, and time. Whether you’re a fan of bold, bitey cheddars or just getting started with sharp varieties, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of aged cheddar cheese.

From our 8 year aged cheddar to the ultra-aged 17 year aged cheddar, Gardner’s has the best aged cheddar lineup around. And thanks to our cheese subscription box, it’s never been easier to try them all.

Join us on a flavorful adventure this year, and discover why our aged cheddar isn’t just good… it’s grate (get it??).