Derby Cheese vs Époisses Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Époisses Cheese is soft and creamy and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Derby Cheese?

Derby is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Derbyshire, England, with a smooth, mellow texture and a buttery flavour. It sits close to Cheddar in taste but stays softer, and its best known version is the sage-flecked Sage Derby.

What Is Époisses Cheese?

Époisses is a pungent soft-paste cow's milk cheese from the village of Époisses in Burgundy, France. Washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne as it ripens, it has a soft red-orange rind that is edible and a strong smell.

What's the Difference Between Derby Cheese and Époisses Cheese?

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Époisses Cheese (France)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Époisses Cheese (Soft and creamy)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Époisses Cheese (Washed-rind)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Époisses Cheese (Minimum of 28 days)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Époisses Cheese (Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Époisses Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Époisses Cheese brings subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced character. On the nose, Derby Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Époisses Cheese's undergrowth. More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, while Époisses Cheese leans toward penetrating odor, undergrowth aromas, soft and melting, slightly crumbly center if not long matured, creamy sensation on the palette. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Époisses Cheese at minimum of 28 days.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Époisses Cheese?

In most recipes, Derby Cheese and Époisses Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-firm, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft and creamy. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Époisses Cheese brings subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Époisses Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-firm, artisan cheese, go with Derby Cheese. For a soft and creamy profile, Époisses Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while Époisses Cheese fits dishes calling for subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Époisses Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Époisses Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Époisses Cheese minimum of 28 days.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Époisses Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Époisses Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Derby Cheese taste like Époisses Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Époisses Cheese is subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced. Aromas also diverge. Derby Cheese leans mild, and Époisses Cheese is closer to undergrowth.

What is Derby Cheese made of?

Derby Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 1 to 6 months. It originates in England and United Kingdom.

What is Époisses Cheese made of?

Époisses Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 28 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Époisses Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan, while Époisses Cheese is soft and creamy.