Brie Cheese vs Stawley Cheese
Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Stawley Cheese is soft and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
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 Stawley Cheese?
Stawley is a soft cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Somerset, England. It has a pale yellow color and a mold-ripened rind that contributes to its unique aroma of mushroom and nutty scents. The flavor profile of Stawley includes notes of caramel, floral, milky, and sweet, creating a pleasant and balanced taste experience. Its soft texture makes it easy to spread or enjoy on its own. Ideal for cheese boards, it pairs well with fresh bread or a light wine. This cheese reflects the traditional methods and quality of the region's cheesemaking.
What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Stawley Cheese?
- Origin: Brie Cheese (France), Stawley Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Brie Cheese (cow's milk), Stawley Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized), Stawley Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Stawley Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Stawley Cheese (mold ripened)
- Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Stawley Cheese (caramel, floral, milky, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie Cheese | Stawley Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Brie | Stawley, Near Wellington, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Soft |
| Rind | Bloomy | Mold ripened |
| Aging | At least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir | — |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | Caramel, floral, milky, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Stawley Cheese?
Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet character. On the nose, Brie Cheese offers ammoniated when overripe, contrasted with Stawley Cheese's mushroom, nutty.
Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Stawley Cheese?
Brie Cheese can stand in for Stawley Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Stawley 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 profile, Stawley Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, mushroom notes, while Stawley Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, floral, milky, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie Cheese the same as Stawley Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie Cheese originates in France, while Stawley Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Brie Cheese is made from cow milk; Stawley Cheese uses goat.
Is Brie Cheese similar to Stawley Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Stawley Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brie Cheese taste like Stawley Cheese?
Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Stawley Cheese is caramel, floral, milky, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Brie Cheese leans ammoniated when overripe, and Stawley Cheese is closer to mushroom, nutty.
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 Stawley Cheese made of?
Stawley Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Stawley Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Stawley Cheese is soft.