Derby Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese
Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while L'Etivaz Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
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 L'Etivaz Cheese?
L'Etivaz is a hard raw cow's milk cheese from the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, made only during the summer Alpine grazing season in copper cauldrons over wood fires. It tastes close to Gruyère surchoix, fruity and slightly nutty.
What's the Difference Between Derby Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?
- Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), L'Etivaz Cheese (Switzerland)
- Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), L'Etivaz Cheese (hard)
- Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), L'Etivaz Cheese (5 to 13 months)
- Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), L'Etivaz Cheese (fruity, slightly nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Derby Cheese | L'Etivaz Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England And United Kingdom | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Derbyshire | Vaud, Switzerland |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-firm, artisan | Hard |
| Rind | Natural or waxed | — |
| Aging | 1 to 6 months | 5 to 13 months |
| Taste | Buttery, mild, sweet | Fruity, slightly nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like L'Etivaz Cheese?
Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while L'Etivaz Cheese brings fruity, slightly nutty character. On the nose, Derby Cheese offers mild, contrasted with L'Etivaz Cheese's smokey. More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, while L'Etivaz Cheese leans toward creamier and less sharp than antique gruyère, smooth, salty, varying with the pasture soil. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than L'Etivaz Cheese at 5 to 13 months.
Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
In most recipes, Derby Cheese and L'Etivaz 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 hard. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while L'Etivaz Cheese brings fruity, slightly nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or L'Etivaz 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 hard profile, L'Etivaz Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while L'Etivaz Cheese fits dishes calling for fruity, slightly nutty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Derby Cheese the same as L'Etivaz Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while L'Etivaz Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, L'Etivaz Cheese 5 to 13 months.
Is Derby Cheese similar to L'Etivaz Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Derby Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Derby Cheese taste like L'Etivaz Cheese?
Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while L'Etivaz Cheese is fruity, slightly nutty. Aromas also diverge. Derby Cheese leans mild, and L'Etivaz Cheese is closer to smokey.
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 L'Etivaz Cheese made of?
L'Etivaz Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 5 to 13 months. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan, while L'Etivaz Cheese is hard.