Driftwood Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Driftwood Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Driftwood Cheese?
Driftwood is an artisan cheese from England made from unpasteurized goat's milk. It features a semi-soft texture and is known for its creamy color and ash-coated rind. The cheese offers a citrusy and salty flavor profile, making it a refreshing choice. Its unpasteurized nature adds depth to its taste, appealing to those who enjoy traditional cheese-making methods. Driftwood pairs well with light, crisp wines and is an excellent addition to cheese boards. Its distinctive rind and flavor make it a standout option for cheese enthusiasts.
What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.
What's the Difference Between Driftwood Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Driftwood Cheese (England), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Milk type: Driftwood Cheese (goat's milk), Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Driftwood Cheese (unpasteurized), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Driftwood Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Driftwood Cheese (ash coated), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Taste: Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Driftwood Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Norway |
| Specific Origin | — | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft, artisan | Semihard |
| Rind | Ash coated | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | — | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Citrusy, salty | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Driftwood Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character.
Can You Substitute Driftwood Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
Driftwood Cheese can stand in for Jarlsberg Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Driftwood Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Driftwood Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese suits recipes that want citrusy, salty notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Driftwood Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Driftwood Cheese originates in England, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk; Jarlsberg Cheese uses cow.
Is Driftwood Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Driftwood Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Driftwood Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty.
What is Driftwood Cheese made of?
Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England.
What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?
Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.
Which should I choose, Driftwood Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.