Brick Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Brick Cheese is a semi-hard, smear-ripened cow-milk cheese from United States, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a firm cow's milk cheese made by traditional methods in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Its name has been protected in the EU and UK since 2007, and only milk from those four counties may be used.
What's the Difference Between Brick Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Texture: Brick Cheese (semi-hard, smear-ripened), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Rind: Brick Cheese (washed), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
- Aging: Brick Cheese (Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Brick Cheese (Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brick Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | — |
| Specific Origin | Wisconsin | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard, smear-ripened | Firm |
| Rind | Washed | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Brick Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Brick Cheese shows sweet and mild when unaged, nuttier with a stronger smell after aging, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese leans toward sharp and pungent, often slightly earthy, with a hazelnut note and large calcium lactate crystals when well matured. Aging plays into this as well. Brick Cheese at best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Brick Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Brick Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, smear-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for firm. Flavor-wise, Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Brick Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, smear-ripened cheese, go with Brick Cheese. For a firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brick Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Brick Cheese is typically aged best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Brick Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Brick Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Brick Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese made of?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum 9 months.
Which should I choose, Brick Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brick Cheese is semi-hard, smear-ripened, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.