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Brie Cheese vs Époisses Cheese
Brie Cheese
Époisses Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Brie Cheese and Époisses Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Brie Cheese and Époisses Cheese?"
- "Is Brie Cheese and Époisses Cheese the same?"
- "How does Brie Cheese compare to Époisses Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Brie Cheese compare to Époisses Cheese?"
- "Is Brie Cheese or Époisses Cheese better?"
Brie Cheese Overview
Brie is a soft cheese named after the French region from which it originated. It’s famous for its creamy interior and edible white rind. Brie has a rich, buttery flavor with hints of mushrooms and almonds. It’s often served at room temperature on cheese platters or used in cooking for its ability to add depth and creaminess to recipes.
Époisses Cheese Overview
Époisses is a strongly flavored, washed-rind cheese from Burgundy, made from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy texture and rich, intense flavor with hints of barnyard and bacon. The rind is washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy during maturation, contributing to its characteristic strong smell and deep orange color. Époisses is typically eaten with crusty bread or used to add depth to sauces.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Brie Cheese comes from France. Époisses Cheese originated from France.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Brie is not a protected cheese. Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991).
Milk Type and Treatment
Brie Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Époisses Cheese is made with cow milk.
Composition and Texture
Brie's texture can be described as "soft". Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy".
Taste and Aroma
Brie Cheese has a nutty, mushroom taste. Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth".
Appearance and Aging
Brie Cheese's appearance is colored white . Époisses Cheese has a color of orange ivory to brick red , comes in small and large sizes and has an aging period of minimum of 28 days .
Rind and Rennet Type
Brie Cheese's rind is described as bloomy and uses animal rennet. Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind .
Ranking
Brie is ranked #5 out of 996 types based on community views. Époisses is ranked #30 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Brie | Époisses | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Apples, Apricot, Asian Pear, Asti Spumante, Beaujolais, Belgian Blonde, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Dried Cranberries, Dried Fruit, Fig Jam, Fruit Compote, Gamay, Ginger, Grapes, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, Kombucha, Mangoes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Pear, Pecans, Pistachios, Port, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Turkey, Viognier, White Burgundy | Burgundy Red |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Dijon Mustard, Dried Figs, German Riesling, Green Apple, Green Tea, Grüner Veltliner, Ham, Kiwi, Muscat, Prosciutto, Pumpkin, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Scotch, Sweet Potato | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Brie and Époisses pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Brie Cheese | Époisses Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Brie | Auxois And Terre Plaine, Burgundy |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996), AOC (1991) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's Milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | Not Specified |
| Rind | Bloomy | Washed-rind |
| Texture | Soft | Soft and creamy |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Undergrowth |
| Colors | White | Orange ivory to brick red |
| Forms | Not Specified | Small and large sizes |
| Age | Not Specified | Minimum of 28 days |
| Rennet Type | Animal | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft cheese, go for Brie. But if you enjoy a soft and creamy consistency, Époisses might be the better pick. Brie has a nutty, mushroom taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Époisses offers a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced profile, ideal for different meals.
