Brick Cheese vs Double Gloucester Cheese

Brick Cheese is a semi-hard, washed-rind cow-milk cheese from United States, while Double Gloucester Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in England.

What Is Brick Cheese?

Brick cheese is a Wisconsin cheese pressed into brick shape and ripened on the surface with Brevibacterium linens. Young, it is sweet, mild and melts well; aged, it smells stronger and tastes nuttier. It is the traditional cheese on Detroit-style pizza.

What Is Double Gloucester Cheese?

Double Gloucester is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese made in Gloucestershire, England, since the 16th century. It ages longer than Single Gloucester, giving it a stronger, more savoury flavour, and it is the cheese sent rolling down Cooper's Hill each spring.

What's the Difference Between Brick Cheese and Double Gloucester Cheese?

• Origin: Brick Cheese (United States), Double Gloucester Cheese (England)
• Texture: Brick Cheese (Semi-hard, washed-rind), Double Gloucester Cheese (Semi-hard)
• Rind: Brick Cheese (washed), Double Gloucester Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Brick Cheese (Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age), Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brick Cheese Taste Like Double Gloucester Cheese?

Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while Double Gloucester Cheese brings smooth, tangy character. On the nose, Brick Cheese offers pungent, rich, contrasted with Double Gloucester Cheese's buttery, rich. More specifically, Brick Cheese shows sweet and mild when unaged, nuttier with a stronger smell after aging, while Double Gloucester Cheese leans toward stronger and more savoury than single gloucester.

Can You Substitute Brick Cheese for Double Gloucester Cheese?

In most recipes, Brick Cheese and Double Gloucester Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, washed-rind bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age while Double Gloucester Cheese brings smooth, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Brick Cheese or Double Gloucester Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, washed-rind cheese, go with Brick Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Double Gloucester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brick Cheese suits recipes that want sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age notes, while Double Gloucester Cheese fits dishes calling for smooth, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brick Cheese the same as Double Gloucester Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brick Cheese originates in United States, while Double Gloucester Cheese comes from England.

Is Brick Cheese similar to Double Gloucester Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Brick Cheese for Double Gloucester Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Brick Cheese taste like Double Gloucester Cheese?

Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while Double Gloucester Cheese is smooth, tangy. Aromas also diverge. Brick Cheese leans pungent, rich, and Double Gloucester Cheese is closer to buttery, rich.

What is Brick Cheese made of?

Brick Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks. It originates in United States.

What is Double Gloucester Cheese made of?

Double Gloucester Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized in supermarket versions). It originates in England.

Which should I choose, Brick Cheese or Double Gloucester Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brick Cheese is semi-hard, washed-rind, while Double Gloucester Cheese is semi-hard.