Double Gloucester Cheese vs Shropshire Blue Cheese

Double Gloucester Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from England, while Shropshire Blue Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.

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 Shropshire Blue Cheese?

Shropshire Blue is a British blue cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk, coloured orange with annatto and veined with Penicillium roqueforti. It is made much like Stilton but tastes sharper, and it matures for 10 to 12 weeks.

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

• Origin: Double Gloucester Cheese (England), Shropshire Blue Cheese (United Kingdom)
• Texture: Double Gloucester Cheese (Semi-hard), Shropshire Blue Cheese (Soft)
• Taste: Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy), Shropshire Blue Cheese (sharp and strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Shropshire Blue Cheese brings sharp and strong character. On the nose, Double Gloucester Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Shropshire Blue Cheese's slightly tangy. More specifically, Double Gloucester Cheese shows stronger and more savoury than single gloucester, while Shropshire Blue Cheese leans toward sharp, strong, slightly sour, sharper than stilton, creamy.

Can You Substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Shropshire Blue Cheese?

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Double Gloucester Cheese the same as Shropshire Blue Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Double Gloucester Cheese originates in England, while Shropshire Blue Cheese comes from United Kingdom.

Is Double Gloucester Cheese similar to Shropshire Blue Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Shropshire Blue Cheese?

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

Does Double Gloucester Cheese taste like Shropshire Blue Cheese?

Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Shropshire Blue Cheese is sharp and strong. Aromas also diverge. Double Gloucester Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Shropshire Blue Cheese is closer to slightly tangy.

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 Shropshire Blue Cheese made of?

Shropshire Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using vegetable rennet. It's typically aged 10 to 12 weeks. It originates in United Kingdom.

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

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Double Gloucester Cheese is semi-hard, while Shropshire Blue Cheese is soft.