Brie Cheese vs Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese
Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is soft, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
Époisses de Bourgogne is a soft, washed rind cow's milk cheese from the village of Époisses in Côte-d'Or, Burgundy. Its rind is washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne, which gives the cheese an orange-red surface and a strong smell.
What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized), Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (soft, smear-ripened)
- Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (washed)
- Aging: Brie Cheese (at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir), Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (around six weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie Cheese | Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Brie | Côte-D'Or, Burgundy, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Soft, smear-ripened |
| Rind | Bloomy | Washed |
| Aging | At least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir | Around six weeks |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Brie Cheese offers ammoniated when overripe, contrasted with Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese's pungent, spicy. Aging plays into this as well. Brie Cheese at at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir develops a different profile than Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese at around six weeks.
Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
In most recipes, Brie Cheese and Epoisses de Bourgogne 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 soft, smear-ripened.
Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Epoisses de Bourgogne 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 soft, smear-ripened profile, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie Cheese the same as Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Brie Cheese is typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese around six weeks.
Is Brie Cheese similar to Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Brie Cheese taste like Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese made of?
Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using none, lactic acid coagulation rennet. It's typically aged around six weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is soft, smear-ripened.