Derby Cheese vs Pérail Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Pérail Cheese is soft and made from sheep 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 Pérail Cheese?

Pérail is a soft sheep's milk cheese from Aveyron in southern France, sold in small rounds with an ivory, wrinkly rind. Older wheels taste distinctly sheepy.

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

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Pérail Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Derby Cheese (cow's milk), Pérail Cheese (sheep)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Pérail Cheese (soft)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Pérail Cheese (wrinkly, mainly Geotrichum candidum)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Pérail Cheese (2 to 8 weeks)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Pérail Cheese (distinctly sheepy in older cheeses)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Pérail Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Pérail Cheese brings distinctly sheepy in older cheeses character. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Pérail Cheese at 2 to 8 weeks.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Pérail Cheese?

Derby Cheese can stand in for Pérail Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-firm, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Pérail Cheese brings distinctly sheepy in older cheeses notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Pérail 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 profile, Pérail Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while Pérail Cheese fits dishes calling for distinctly sheepy in older cheeses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Pérail Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Pérail Cheese comes from France. Derby Cheese is made from cow milk; Pérail Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Pérail Cheese 2 to 8 weeks.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Pérail Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Pérail Cheese?

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

Does Derby Cheese taste like Pérail Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Pérail Cheese is distinctly sheepy in older cheeses.

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 Pérail Cheese made of?

Pérail Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 2 to 8 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Pérail Cheese?

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