Asiago Cheese vs Derby Cheese

Asiago Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in England and United Kingdom.

What Is Asiago Cheese?

Asiago is a cow's milk cheese from the Asiago plateau in Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, made either young and soft (Asiago pressato) or aged and crumbly (Asiago d'allevo). It carries Italian DOP status, though the name is treated as generic in the U.S. and Australia.

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 Asiago Cheese and Derby Cheese?

• Origin: Asiago Cheese (Italy), Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom)
• Rind: Asiago Cheese (thin, elastic (Asiago pressato)), Derby Cheese (natural or waxed)
• Aging: Asiago Cheese (20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged), Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months)
• Taste: Asiago Cheese (sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old), Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Derby Cheese?

Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Derby Cheese brings buttery, mild, sweet character. More specifically, Asiago Cheese shows mezzano sweetish, vecchio bitter, stravecchio bitter and spicy, while Derby Cheese leans toward springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age. Aging plays into this as well. Asiago Cheese at 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged develops a different profile than Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months.

Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Derby Cheese?

Asiago Cheese can stand in for Derby Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old while Derby Cheese brings buttery, mild, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Derby Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Asiago Cheese suits recipes that want sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old notes, while Derby Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, mild, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Asiago Cheese the same as Derby Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Asiago Cheese originates in Italy, while Derby Cheese comes from England and United Kingdom. Aging also differs: Asiago Cheese is typically aged 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged, Derby Cheese 1 to 6 months.

Is Asiago Cheese similar to Derby Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Derby Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.

Does Asiago Cheese taste like Derby Cheese?

Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Derby Cheese is buttery, mild, sweet.

What is Asiago Cheese made of?

Asiago Cheese is made from milk (raw (asiago d'allevo)), using rennet. It's typically aged 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged. It originates in Italy.

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, Asiago Cheese or Derby Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.