Dorset Blue Cheese vs Double Gloucester Cheese

Dorset Blue Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese, while Double Gloucester Cheese is hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in England.

What Is Dorset Blue Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese is a lightly pressed, firm-textured blue cheese made in Dorset, England. It has a uniform color with irregular blue-green veining and a rough, dry brown mold coating. The cheese has a piquant, peppery flavor that ranges from mild to strong. Made using skimmed cow’s milk, the tradition of using lower-fat milk dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when it was made from residual milk left after cream skimming. The production process includes hand-breaking curds, salting, light pressing, and maturing for 12 to 20 weeks. The cheese is pierced after four weeks to develop its signature blue veining. Dorset’s lush pasture, supported by Oxford clay soil, contributes to the unique flavor of the milk used in the cheese.

What Is Double Gloucester Cheese?

Double Gloucester is a traditional British cheese made from cow's milk. It is known for its firm texture and rich, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. The cheese has a smooth, buttery consistency and a bright orange color, due to the addition of annatto. Double Gloucester is typically aged for about four to six months and is often used in the British dish, Welsh rarebit, or enjoyed on its own.

What's the Difference Between Dorset Blue Cheese and Double Gloucester Cheese?

• Texture: Dorset Blue Cheese (Firm), Double Gloucester Cheese (hard, artisan)
• Rind: Dorset Blue Cheese (Rough, dry brown mold coating), Double Gloucester Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Dorset Blue Cheese (Piquant, peppery, mild to strong), Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Dorset Blue Cheese Taste Like Double Gloucester Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Double Gloucester Cheese brings smooth, tangy character.

Can You Substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Double Gloucester Cheese?

In most recipes, Dorset Blue Cheese and Double Gloucester Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong while Double Gloucester Cheese brings smooth, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Dorset Blue Cheese or Double Gloucester Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm cheese, go with Dorset Blue Cheese. For a hard, artisan profile, Double Gloucester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese suits recipes that want piquant, peppery, mild to strong notes, while Double Gloucester Cheese fits dishes calling for smooth, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dorset Blue Cheese the same as Double Gloucester Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Dorset Blue Cheese similar to Double Gloucester Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Double Gloucester Cheese?

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

Does Dorset Blue Cheese taste like Double Gloucester Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Double Gloucester Cheese is smooth, tangy.

What is Dorset Blue Cheese made of?

Dorset Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed). It's typically aged 12 to 20 weeks.

What is Double Gloucester Cheese made of?

Double Gloucester Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in England.

Which should I choose, Dorset Blue Cheese or Double Gloucester Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Dorset Blue Cheese is firm, while Double Gloucester Cheese is hard, artisan.

See full profiles: Dorset Blue Cheese and Double Gloucester Cheese.

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