Aisy Cendre Cheese vs Derby Cheese

Aisy Cendre Cheese is a semi-soft, smear-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in England and United Kingdom.

What Is Aisy Cendre Cheese?

Aisy cendré is a French cow's milk cheese made in Époisses, in Burgundy. Its washed rind is scrubbed for two weeks and then rolled in wood ash, which leaves a greyish coat, a slightly smoked aroma and a paste usually eaten while still firm.

What Is Derby Cheese?

Derby is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Derbyshire, England, with a smooth, mellow texture and a buttery flavour. It sits close to Cheddar in taste but stays softer, and its best known version is the sage-flecked Sage Derby.

What's the Difference Between Aisy Cendre Cheese and Derby Cheese?

• Origin: Aisy Cendre Cheese (France), Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom)
• Texture: Aisy Cendre Cheese (semi-soft, smear-ripened), Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan)
• Rind: Aisy Cendre Cheese (washed), Derby Cheese (natural or waxed)
• Aging: Aisy Cendre Cheese (2 weeks), Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months)
• Taste: Aisy Cendre Cheese (full-flavored, herbaceous, salty, smokey), Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Aisy Cendre Cheese Taste Like Derby Cheese?

Aisy Cendre Cheese reads as full-flavored, herbaceous, salty, smokey, while Derby Cheese brings buttery, mild, sweet character. On the nose, Aisy Cendre Cheese offers earthy, nutty, smokey, contrasted with Derby Cheese's mild. Aging plays into this as well. Aisy Cendre Cheese at 2 weeks develops a different profile than Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months.

Can You Substitute Aisy Cendre Cheese for Derby Cheese?

In most recipes, Aisy Cendre Cheese and Derby Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft, smear-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-firm, artisan. Flavor-wise, Aisy Cendre Cheese reads as full-flavored, herbaceous, salty, smokey while Derby Cheese brings buttery, mild, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Aisy Cendre Cheese or Derby Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, smear-ripened cheese, go with Aisy Cendre Cheese. For a semi-firm, artisan profile, Derby Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Aisy Cendre Cheese suits recipes that want full-flavored, herbaceous, salty, smokey notes, while Derby Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, mild, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aisy Cendre Cheese the same as Derby Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aisy Cendre Cheese originates in France, while Derby Cheese comes from England and United Kingdom. Aging also differs: Aisy Cendre Cheese is typically aged 2 weeks, Derby Cheese 1 to 6 months.

Is Aisy Cendre Cheese similar to Derby Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Aisy Cendre Cheese for Derby Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Aisy Cendre Cheese taste like Derby Cheese?

Aisy Cendre Cheese reads as full-flavored, herbaceous, salty, smokey, while Derby Cheese is buttery, mild, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Aisy Cendre Cheese leans earthy, nutty, smokey, and Derby Cheese is closer to mild.

What is Aisy Cendre Cheese made of?

Aisy Cendre Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 weeks. It originates in France.

What is Derby Cheese made of?

Derby Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 1 to 6 months. It originates in England and United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Aisy Cendre Cheese or Derby Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Aisy Cendre Cheese is semi-soft, smear-ripened, while Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan.