Beaufort Cheese vs Gloucester Cheese
Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Gloucester Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in England.
What Is Beaufort Cheese?
Beaufort is a smooth, creamy cheese from the Savoie region of France. Known for its distinct concave wheel shape, it is produced from raw cow's milk and aged in mountain caves for a minimum of five months. Beaufort has a strong, sweet taste and is often used in fondue due to its excellent melting properties.
What Is Gloucester Cheese?
Gloucester cheese comes in two varieties: Single and Double Gloucester. Both are made from cow's milk, with Double Gloucester being the richer and creamier of the two, made from full-fat milk. Single Gloucester is lighter, made from part-skimmed milk, and both have a smooth, buttery flavor and a firm texture.
What's the Difference Between Beaufort Cheese and Gloucester Cheese?
- Origin: Beaufort Cheese (France), Gloucester Cheese (England)
- Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), Gloucester Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Beaufort Cheese (5 to 12+ months), Gloucester Cheese (4–6 weeks (Single Gloucester), longer for Double Gloucester)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Beaufort Cheese | Gloucester Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England |
| Specific Origin | Beaufortin Valley, Savoie Region | Gloucestershire |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Hard | Hard |
| Rind | Even yellow color | Natural |
| Aging | 5 to 12+ months | 4–6 weeks (Single Gloucester), longer for Double Gloucester |
| Taste | — | Mild |
Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Gloucester Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Beaufort Cheese shows ivory or slightly yellow color, occasional small eyes and thin slits, while Gloucester Cheese leans toward single: mild, lactic, suitable for toasting. double: richer, colored with annatto, suitable for aging.. Aging plays into this as well. Beaufort Cheese at 5 to 12+ months develops a different profile than Gloucester Cheese at 4–6 weeks (single gloucester), longer for double gloucester.
Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Gloucester Cheese?
In most recipes, Beaufort Cheese and Gloucester Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Gloucester 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 Beaufort Cheese the same as Gloucester Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese originates in France, while Gloucester Cheese comes from England. Aging also differs: Beaufort Cheese is typically aged 5 to 12+ months, Gloucester Cheese 4–6 weeks (single gloucester), longer for double gloucester.
Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Gloucester Cheese?
Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.
Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Gloucester Cheese?
Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.
Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Gloucester Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Gloucester Cheese made of?
Gloucester Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 4–6 weeks (single gloucester), longer for double gloucester. It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Gloucester Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.