Berkswell Cheese vs Brie Cheese
Berkswell Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Brie Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Berkswell Cheese?
Berkswell is a hard sheep's milk cheese made at Ram Hall Farm near Berkswell in the West Midlands, England. Draining in plastic colanders gives it an unusual shape, and its mature pecorino character won Supreme Champion at the 2017 Artisan Cheese Awards.
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 Berkswell Cheese and Brie Cheese?
- Origin: Berkswell Cheese (United Kingdom), Brie Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Berkswell Cheese (sheep's milk), Brie Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Berkswell Cheese (unpasteurized), Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized)
- Texture: Berkswell Cheese (hard), Brie Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Berkswell Cheese (natural), Brie Cheese (Bloomy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Berkswell Cheese | Brie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | France |
| Specific Origin | Berkswell, West Midlands, England | Brie |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw, Pasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Soft |
| Rind | Natural | Bloomy |
| Aging | — | At least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir |
| Taste | — | Nutty, Mushroom |
Taste Comparison: Does Berkswell Cheese Taste Like Brie Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Berkswell Cheese offers sweet, contrasted with Brie Cheese's ammoniated when overripe.
Can You Substitute Berkswell Cheese for Brie Cheese?
Berkswell Cheese can stand in for Brie 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 soft.
Which Is Better, Berkswell Cheese or Brie Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Berkswell Cheese. For a soft profile, Brie Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkswell Cheese the same as Brie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Berkswell Cheese originates in United Kingdom, while Brie Cheese comes from France. Berkswell Cheese is made from sheep milk; Brie Cheese uses cow.
Is Berkswell Cheese similar to Brie Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Berkswell Cheese for Brie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Berkswell Cheese taste like Brie Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Berkswell Cheese made of?
Berkswell Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It originates in United Kingdom.
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, Berkswell Cheese or Brie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Berkswell Cheese is hard, while Brie Cheese is soft.