Brie Cheese vs Double Gloucester Cheese

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

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 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 Cheese and Double Gloucester Cheese?

• Origin: Brie Cheese (France), Double Gloucester Cheese (England)
• Milk treatment: Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized), Double Gloucester Cheese (pasteurized in supermarket versions)
• Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Double Gloucester Cheese (hard, artisan)
• Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Double Gloucester Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Double Gloucester Cheese brings smooth, tangy character. On the nose, Brie Cheese offers ammoniated when overripe, contrasted with Double Gloucester Cheese's buttery, rich. More specifically, Brie Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Double Gloucester Cheese leans toward stronger and more savoury than single gloucester.

Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Double Gloucester Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie 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 hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Double Gloucester Cheese brings smooth, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Brie 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 Cheese. For a hard, artisan profile, Double Gloucester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, mushroom notes, while Double Gloucester Cheese fits dishes calling for smooth, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie Cheese the same as Double Gloucester Cheese?

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

Is Brie Cheese similar to Double Gloucester Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Double Gloucester Cheese?

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

Does Brie Cheese taste like Double Gloucester Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Double Gloucester Cheese is smooth, tangy. Aromas also diverge. Brie Cheese leans ammoniated when overripe, and Double Gloucester Cheese is closer to buttery, rich.

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.

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 Cheese or Double Gloucester Cheese?

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