Cabrales Cheese vs Driftwood Cheese

Cabrales Cheese is a unctuous, compact, no eyes cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England.

What Is Cabrales Cheese?

Cabrales is a blue cheese made by rural dairy farmers in the Asturias mountains of Spain, from raw cow's milk alone or blended with goat and sheep milk. It is known for its strong, sometimes sharply acidic flavor and for ripening in limestone caves.

What Is Driftwood Cheese?

Driftwood is an artisan cheese from England made from unpasteurized goat's milk. It features a semi-soft texture and is known for its creamy color and ash-coated rind. The cheese offers a citrusy and salty flavor profile, making it a refreshing choice. Its unpasteurized nature adds depth to its taste, appealing to those who enjoy traditional cheese-making methods. Driftwood pairs well with light, crisp wines and is an excellent addition to cheese boards. Its distinctive rind and flavor make it a standout option for cheese enthusiasts.

What's the Difference Between Cabrales Cheese and Driftwood Cheese?

• Origin: Cabrales Cheese (Spain), Driftwood Cheese (England)
• Milk type: Cabrales Cheese (cow's milk), Driftwood Cheese (goat's milk)
• Texture: Cabrales Cheese (unctuous, compact, no eyes), Driftwood Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
• Rind: Cabrales Cheese (Natural), Driftwood Cheese (ash coated)
• Taste: Cabrales Cheese (Intense, piquant), Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Cabrales Cheese Taste Like Driftwood Cheese?

Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Driftwood Cheese brings citrusy, salty character.

Can You Substitute Cabrales Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?

Cabrales Cheese can stand in for Driftwood Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect unctuous, compact, no eyes bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant while Driftwood Cheese brings citrusy, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Cabrales Cheese or Driftwood Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a unctuous, compact, no eyes cheese, go with Cabrales Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Driftwood Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese suits recipes that want intense, piquant notes, while Driftwood Cheese fits dishes calling for citrusy, salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cabrales Cheese the same as Driftwood Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cabrales Cheese originates in Spain, while Driftwood Cheese comes from England. Cabrales Cheese is made from cow milk; Driftwood Cheese uses goat.

Is Cabrales Cheese similar to Driftwood Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Cabrales Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Cabrales Cheese taste like Driftwood Cheese?

Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Driftwood Cheese is citrusy, salty.

What is Cabrales Cheese made of?

Cabrales Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using kid rennet. It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Spain.

What is Driftwood Cheese made of?

Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England.

Which should I choose, Cabrales Cheese or Driftwood Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cabrales Cheese is unctuous, compact, no eyes, while Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.