Double Gloucester Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese
Double Gloucester Cheese is a hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from England, while L'Etivaz Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
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 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 Double Gloucester Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?
- Origin: Double Gloucester Cheese (England), L'Etivaz Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk treatment: Double Gloucester Cheese (pasteurized in supermarket versions), L'Etivaz Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Double Gloucester Cheese (hard, artisan), L'Etivaz Cheese (hard)
- Taste: Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy), L'Etivaz Cheese (fruity, slightly nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Double Gloucester Cheese | L'Etivaz Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Gloucestershire, England | Vaud, Switzerland |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized in supermarket versions | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard, artisan | Hard |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | — | 5 to 13 months |
| Taste | Smooth, tangy | Fruity, slightly nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Double Gloucester Cheese Taste Like L'Etivaz Cheese?
Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while L'Etivaz Cheese brings fruity, slightly nutty character. On the nose, Double Gloucester Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with L'Etivaz Cheese's smokey. More specifically, Double Gloucester Cheese shows stronger and more savoury than single gloucester, while L'Etivaz Cheese leans toward creamier and less sharp than antique gruyère, smooth, salty, varying with the pasture soil.
Can You Substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
In most recipes, Double Gloucester Cheese and L'Etivaz 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 hard. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy while L'Etivaz Cheese brings fruity, slightly nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Double Gloucester Cheese or L'Etivaz 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 hard profile, L'Etivaz Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese suits recipes that want smooth, tangy notes, while L'Etivaz Cheese fits dishes calling for fruity, slightly nutty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Double Gloucester Cheese the same as L'Etivaz Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Double Gloucester Cheese originates in England, while L'Etivaz Cheese comes from Switzerland.
Is Double Gloucester Cheese similar to L'Etivaz Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Double Gloucester Cheese taste like L'Etivaz Cheese?
Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while L'Etivaz Cheese is fruity, slightly nutty. Aromas also diverge. Double Gloucester Cheese leans buttery, rich, and L'Etivaz Cheese is closer to smokey.
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 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, Double Gloucester Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Double Gloucester Cheese is hard, artisan, while L'Etivaz Cheese is hard.