Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Double Gloucester Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Double Gloucester Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in England.

What Is Brie de Meaux Cheese?

Brie de Meaux is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Brie region of France, an AOC product since 1980. Wheels run 36 to 37 cm (14 to 14+1/2 in) across, with a delicate white rind and a straw-yellow, creamy interior.

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 Brie de Meaux Cheese and Double Gloucester Cheese?

• Origin: Brie de Meaux Cheese (France), Double Gloucester Cheese (England)
• Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Double Gloucester Cheese (pasteurized in supermarket versions)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Double Gloucester Cheese (Semi-hard)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Double Gloucester Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Double Gloucester Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Double Gloucester Cheese brings smooth, tangy character. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Double Gloucester Cheese's buttery, rich. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Double Gloucester Cheese leans toward stronger and more savoury than single gloucester.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Double Gloucester Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie de Meaux Cheese and Double Gloucester Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Double Gloucester Cheese brings smooth, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Double Gloucester Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie de Meaux Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Double Gloucester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Double Gloucester Cheese fits dishes calling for smooth, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Double Gloucester Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese originates in France, while Double Gloucester Cheese comes from England.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Double Gloucester Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Double Gloucester Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Double Gloucester Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Double Gloucester Cheese is smooth, tangy. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Meaux Cheese leans buttery, sweet, and Double Gloucester Cheese is closer to buttery, rich.

What is Brie de Meaux Cheese made of?

Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using bovi rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 4 weeks. It originates in France.

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, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Double Gloucester Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Double Gloucester Cheese is semi-hard.