Aged Cheese vs Brie Cheese
Aged Cheese is a cheese, while Brie Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Aged Cheese?
Aged cheese is cheese that has gone through ripening, the stage after manufacture when enzymes, bacteria and moulds build its taste, texture and body. Ripening runs from about three weeks to more than two years, and all cheese except fresh cheese gets it.
What Is Brie Cheese?
Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese named after the French region it comes from, pale under a white mould rind. It runs 60 to 75 percent butterfat and tastes creamy, nutty and mushroom-like, with a faint acidity. The rind is eaten along with the paste.
What's the Difference Between Aged Cheese and Brie Cheese?
- Aging: Aged Cheese (three weeks to two or more years), Brie Cheese (at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aged Cheese | Brie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Brie |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw, Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Soft |
| Rind | — | Bloomy |
| Aging | Three weeks to two or more years | At least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir |
| Taste | — | Nutty, Mushroom |
Taste Comparison: Does Aged Cheese Taste Like Brie Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Aged Cheese at three weeks to two or more years develops a different profile than Brie Cheese at at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir.
Can You Substitute Aged Cheese for Brie Cheese?
Aged Cheese can stand in for Brie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Aged Cheese or Brie Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aged Cheese the same as Brie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Aged Cheese is typically aged three weeks to two or more years, Brie Cheese at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir.
Is Aged Cheese similar to Brie Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Aged Cheese for Brie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Aged Cheese taste like Brie Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Aged Cheese made of?
Aged Cheese is made from milk. It's typically aged three weeks to two or more years.
What is Brie Cheese made of?
Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Aged Cheese or Brie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.