Double Gloucester Cheese vs American Gruyere Cheese

Double Gloucester Cheese is a hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from England, while American Gruyere Cheese is semi-firm and made from cow milk, originating in United States.

What Is Double Gloucester Cheese?

Double Gloucester is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese made in Gloucestershire, England, since the 16th century. It ages longer than Single Gloucester, giving it a stronger, more savoury flavour, and it is the cheese sent rolling down Cooper's Hill each spring.

What Is American Gruyere Cheese?

American Gruyere is a Gruyere-style cheese made in the United States, with Wisconsin producing the most of it. A U.S. court ruled in 2021 that gruyere is a generic cheese name, which leaves American makers free to use it.

What's the Difference Between Double Gloucester Cheese and American Gruyere Cheese?

• Origin: Double Gloucester Cheese (England), American Gruyere Cheese (United States)
• Texture: Double Gloucester Cheese (hard, artisan), American Gruyere Cheese (Semi-Firm)
• Rind: Double Gloucester Cheese (natural), American Gruyere Cheese (Natural or Brushed, Sometimes Waxed)
• Taste: Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy), American Gruyere Cheese (Mild, Nutty, Slightly Buttery)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Double Gloucester Cheese Taste Like American Gruyere Cheese?

Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while American Gruyere Cheese brings mild, nutty, slightly buttery character. On the nose, Double Gloucester Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with American Gruyere Cheese's mild, slightly nutty, buttery. More specifically, Double Gloucester Cheese shows stronger and more savoury than single gloucester, while American Gruyere Cheese leans toward buttery, mildly nutty, slightly sweet, less complex than traditional gruyère.

Can You Substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for American Gruyere Cheese?

In most recipes, Double Gloucester Cheese and American Gruyere Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-firm. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy while American Gruyere Cheese brings mild, nutty, slightly buttery notes.

Which Is Better, Double Gloucester Cheese or American Gruyere Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Double Gloucester Cheese the same as American Gruyere Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Double Gloucester Cheese originates in England, while American Gruyere Cheese comes from United States.

Is Double Gloucester Cheese similar to American Gruyere Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for American Gruyere Cheese?

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

Does Double Gloucester Cheese taste like American Gruyere Cheese?

Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while American Gruyere Cheese is mild, nutty, slightly buttery. Aromas also diverge. Double Gloucester Cheese leans buttery, rich, and American Gruyere Cheese is closer to mild, slightly nutty, buttery.

What is Double Gloucester Cheese made of?

Double Gloucester Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized in supermarket versions). It originates in England.

What is American Gruyere Cheese made of?

American Gruyere Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial or vegetarian (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically 3-6 months. It originates in United States.

Which should I choose, Double Gloucester Cheese or American Gruyere Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Double Gloucester Cheese is hard, artisan, while American Gruyere Cheese is semi-firm.