Aged Gouda Cheese vs Époisses Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Aged Gouda Cheese and Époisses Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Aged Gouda Cheese and Époisses Cheese?"
  • "Is Aged Gouda Cheese and Époisses Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Aged Gouda Cheese compare to Époisses Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Aged Gouda Cheese compare to Époisses Cheese?"
  • "Is Aged Gouda Cheese or Époisses Cheese better?"

Aged Gouda Cheese Overview

Aged Gouda is a hard cheese from the Netherlands, known for its rich aroma and firm texture. It can be made from cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk and may be pasteurized or unpasteurized. The cheese has a yellow color and is typically covered with a waxed rind. As it ages, Gouda develops a deeper, caramel-like flavor with hints of nuttiness and a slight crunch from protein crystals. This makes it a popular choice for snacking or serving on cheese platters. Its rich taste pairs well with robust red wines or dark beers. Often referred to as Oud Gouda, this cheese is a staple in both local and international markets.

Époisses Cheese Overview

Époisses is a strongly flavored, washed-rind cheese from Burgundy, made from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy texture and rich, intense flavor with hints of barnyard and bacon. The rind is washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy during maturation, contributing to its characteristic strong smell and deep orange color. Époisses is typically eaten with crusty bread or used to add depth to sauces.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Aged Gouda Cheese comes from Netherlands. Époisses Cheese originated from France.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Aged Gouda is not a protected cheese. Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991).

Milk Type and Treatment

Aged Gouda Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Époisses Cheese is made with cow milk.

Composition and Texture

Aged Gouda's texture can be described as "hard". Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy".

Taste and Aroma

Aged Gouda's aroma can be described as "rich". Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth".

Appearance and Aging

Aged Gouda Cheese's appearance is colored yellow . Époisses Cheese has a color of orange ivory to brick red , comes in small and large sizes and has an aging period of minimum of 28 days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Aged Gouda Cheese's rind is described as waxed . Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind .

Ranking

Aged Gouda is ranked #77 out of 996 types based on community views. Époisses is ranked #30 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Aged Gouda Époisses
Best Pairings Almonds, Apples, Apricot, Asian Pear, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California Viogniers, Champagne, Crackers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Green Apple, IPA, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Prosciutto, Pumpkin, Salami, Sangiovese, Scotch, Sweet Potato, Viognier Burgundy Red
Other Good Pairings Amaro, Cava, Dried Figs, Ginger, Mangoes, Pistachios, Port, Roasted Vegetables, Strawberries, Tequila No additional pairings listed.

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Aged Gouda and Époisses pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Aged Gouda Cheese Époisses Cheese
Country of Origin Netherlands France
Specific Origin Not Specified Auxois And Terre Plaine, Burgundy
Certification Not Specified PDO (1996), AOC (1991)
Milk Type Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk Cow's Milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized or unpasteurized Not Specified
Rind Waxed Washed-rind
Texture Hard Soft and creamy
Taste Not Specified Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced
Aroma Rich Undergrowth
Colors Yellow Orange ivory to brick red
Forms Not Specified Small and large sizes
Age Not Specified Minimum of 28 days

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Aged Gouda. But if you enjoy a soft and creamy consistency, Époisses might be the better pick.

Compare Aged Gouda Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Époisses Cheese to Other Cheeses

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