Double Gloucester Cheese vs Pecorino Romano Cheese

Double Gloucester Cheese is a hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from England, while Pecorino Romano Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.

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 Pecorino Romano Cheese?

Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty Italian cheese made only from sheep milk, most often grated over pasta. It began in the countryside around Rome and is now made almost entirely in Sardinia.

What's the Difference Between Double Gloucester Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese?

• Origin: Double Gloucester Cheese (England), Pecorino Romano Cheese (Italy)
• Milk type: Double Gloucester Cheese (cow's milk), Pecorino Romano Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Texture: Double Gloucester Cheese (hard, artisan), Pecorino Romano Cheese (Hard)
• Rind: Double Gloucester Cheese (natural), Pecorino Romano Cheese (Pale yellow to brown or black)
• Taste: Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy), Pecorino Romano Cheese (Sharp, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Double Gloucester Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Romano Cheese?

Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Pecorino Romano Cheese brings sharp, salty character. On the nose, Double Gloucester Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Pecorino Romano Cheese's strong. More specifically, Double Gloucester Cheese shows stronger and more savoury than single gloucester, while Pecorino Romano Cheese leans toward bright, tangy notes balancing sheepy sweetness with salinity, crumbles nicely.

Can You Substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Pecorino Romano Cheese?

Double Gloucester Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Romano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for hard. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy while Pecorino Romano Cheese brings sharp, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Double Gloucester Cheese or Pecorino Romano 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, Pecorino Romano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese suits recipes that want smooth, tangy notes, while Pecorino Romano Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp, salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Double Gloucester Cheese the same as Pecorino Romano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Double Gloucester Cheese originates in England, while Pecorino Romano Cheese comes from Italy. Double Gloucester Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino Romano Cheese uses sheep.

Is Double Gloucester Cheese similar to Pecorino Romano Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Pecorino Romano Cheese?

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

Does Double Gloucester Cheese taste like Pecorino Romano Cheese?

Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Pecorino Romano Cheese is sharp, salty. Aromas also diverge. Double Gloucester Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Pecorino Romano Cheese is closer to strong.

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 Pecorino Romano Cheese made of?

Pecorino Romano Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal (sheep) rennet. It's typically aged 5–8 months or longer. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Double Gloucester Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese?

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