Beaufort Cheese vs Driftwood Cheese
Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England.
What Is Beaufort Cheese?
Beaufort is a firm raw cow's milk cheese from the Savoie region of the French Alps, part of the gruyère family. Its wheels take a concave shape from the beechwood hoop, and the cheese melts easily enough to be a standard choice for fondue.
What Is Driftwood Cheese?
Driftwood is an artisan cheese from England made from unpasteurized goat's milk. It features a semi-soft texture and is known for its creamy color and ash-coated rind. The cheese offers a citrusy and salty flavor profile, making it a refreshing choice. Its unpasteurized nature adds depth to its taste, appealing to those who enjoy traditional cheese-making methods. Driftwood pairs well with light, crisp wines and is an excellent addition to cheese boards. Its distinctive rind and flavor make it a standout option for cheese enthusiasts.
What's the Difference Between Beaufort Cheese and Driftwood Cheese?
- Origin: Beaufort Cheese (France), Driftwood Cheese (England)
- Milk type: Beaufort Cheese (cow's milk), Driftwood Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Beaufort Cheese (Raw), Driftwood Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Driftwood Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), Driftwood Cheese (ash coated)
- Taste: Beaufort Cheese (strong), Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Beaufort Cheese | Driftwood Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England |
| Specific Origin | Beaufortin Valley, Savoie Region | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | Even yellow color | Ash coated |
| Aging | 5 to 12+ months | — |
| Taste | Strong | Citrusy, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Driftwood Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Driftwood Cheese brings citrusy, salty character.
Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese can stand in for Driftwood Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese reads as strong while Driftwood Cheese brings citrusy, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Driftwood Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Beaufort Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Driftwood Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese suits recipes that want strong notes, while Driftwood Cheese fits dishes calling for citrusy, salty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Driftwood Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese originates in France, while Driftwood Cheese comes from England. Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk; Driftwood Cheese uses goat.
Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Driftwood Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Driftwood Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Driftwood Cheese is citrusy, salty.
What is Beaufort Cheese made of?
Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using dried calves’ abomasum in recuite rennet. It's typically aged 5 to 12+ months. It originates in France.
What is Driftwood Cheese made of?
Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Driftwood Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaufort Cheese is hard, while Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.