Brunost Cheese vs Époisses Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Brunost Cheese and Époisses Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Brunost Cheese and Époisses Cheese?"
• "Is Brunost Cheese and Époisses Cheese the same?"
• "How does Brunost Cheese compare to Époisses Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Brunost Cheese compare to Époisses Cheese?"
• "Is Brunost Cheese or Époisses Cheese better?"

Brunost Cheese Overview

Brunost, or "brown cheese," is a distinctly Norwegian dairy product, often classified as a cheese, though it differs from traditional cheeses. It is made by boiling down the whey of goat's milk, cow's milk, or a combination of both, until the water evaporates, and the natural milk sugars caramelize. This process gives Brunost its unique brown color, sweet caramel-like flavor, and fudge-like texture. It is commonly sliced thin and served on bread, crispbreads, or waffles.

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

Brunost Cheese comes from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. 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. Brunost is not a protected cheese. Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991).

Milk Type and Treatment

Brunost Cheese is made with cow and goat milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Époisses Cheese is made with cow milk.

Composition and Texture

Brunost's texture can be described as "semi-soft, whey". Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy".

Taste and Aroma

Brunost Cheese has a caramel, sweet taste. Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth".

Appearance and Aging

Brunost Cheese's appearance is colored brown . 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

Brunost Cheese's rind is described as natural . Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind .

Ranking

Brunost 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

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Brunost and Époisses pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-soft, whey cheese, go for Brunost. But if you enjoy a soft and creamy consistency, Époisses might be the better pick. Brunost has a caramel, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Époisses offers a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Brunost Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Époisses Cheese to Other Cheeses