Blue Cheese vs Driftwood Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England.
What Is Blue Cheese?
A type of cheese injected or inoculated with Penicillium mold to create blue or green veins, resulting in a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy or crumbly texture.
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 Blue Cheese and Driftwood Cheese?
- Origin: Blue Cheese (France), Driftwood Cheese (England)
- Milk type: Blue Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat), Driftwood Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Blue Cheese (Pasteurized or Raw), Driftwood Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Driftwood Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Rind: Blue Cheese (Natural), Driftwood Cheese (ash coated)
- Taste: Blue Cheese (Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent), Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Driftwood Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Ash coated |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Citrusy, salty |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Driftwood Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Amaro, Apricot, Asian Pear, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Apple, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, IPA, Malbec, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Port, Scotch, Steak | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Apples, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, California Viogniers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Olives, Prosciutto, Roast Beef | — |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Blue Cheese and Driftwood Cheese
Blue Cheese
Driftwood Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Driftwood Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Driftwood Cheese brings citrusy, salty character.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Driftwood Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect crumbly, creamy, semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent while Driftwood Cheese brings citrusy, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Driftwood Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cheese, go with Blue Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Driftwood Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent notes, while Driftwood Cheese fits dishes calling for citrusy, salty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Driftwood Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese originates in France, while Driftwood Cheese comes from England. Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Driftwood Cheese uses goat.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Driftwood Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Driftwood Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Driftwood Cheese is citrusy, salty.
What is Blue Cheese made of?
Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or raw), using traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically aged 2-6 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, Blue Cheese or Driftwood Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Driftwood Cheese.