Crottin de Chavignol Cheese vs Innes Brick Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is a firm, smooth goat-milk cheese from France, while Innes Brick Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol is a small cylindrical goat cheese from the Loire Valley and the claim to fame of the village of Chavignol. It tastes subtle and slightly nutty, and it is sold at three stages of ripening, from a white rind and compact paste to a crumbly one with bluish mould.
What Is Innes Brick Cheese?
Innes Brick is a semi-soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk near Tamworth, Staffordshire, in England. Its pale yellow interior is complemented by a mold-ripened rind, giving it a fresh, lactic aroma. The flavor is mild and milky with a touch of nuttiness, making it a pleasant choice for those who enjoy gentle goat cheeses. The texture is smooth and creamy, which pairs well with crusty bread or fresh fruits. This cheese offers a simple yet satisfying taste experience, ideal for both casual snacking and refined cheese boards.
What's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol Cheese and Innes Brick Cheese?
- Origin: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (France), Innes Brick Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Texture: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Firm, smooth), Innes Brick Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Natural, white or blue), Innes Brick Cheese (mold ripened)
- Taste: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Light goat to walnut and hazelnut), Innes Brick Cheese (mild, milky, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol Cheese | Innes Brick Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Sancerre Region | Near Tamworth, Staffordshire |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Firm, smooth | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | Natural, white or blue | Mold ripened |
| Aging | At least 10 days | — |
| Taste | Light goat to walnut and hazelnut | Mild, milky, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Innes Brick Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut, while Innes Brick Cheese brings mild, milky, nutty character. On the nose, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese offers light goat to mushroom and forest undergrowth, contrasted with Innes Brick Cheese's fresh, lactic.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for Innes Brick Cheese?
In most recipes, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese and Innes Brick Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm, smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut while Innes Brick Cheese brings mild, milky, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese or Innes Brick Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm, smooth cheese, go with Crottin de Chavignol Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Innes Brick Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese suits recipes that want light goat to walnut and hazelnut notes, while Innes Brick Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, milky, nutty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese the same as Innes Brick Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese originates in France, while Innes Brick Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese similar to Innes Brick Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a goat-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for Innes Brick Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese taste like Innes Brick Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut, while Innes Brick Cheese is mild, milky, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese leans light goat to mushroom and forest undergrowth, and Innes Brick Cheese is closer to fresh, lactic.
What is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese made of?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 10 days. It originates in France.
What is Innes Brick Cheese made of?
Innes Brick Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese or Innes Brick Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is firm, smooth, while Innes Brick Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.