Driftwood Cheese vs Stilton Cheese
Driftwood Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, while Stilton Cheese is hard, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in England.
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 Stilton Cheese?
Stilton is an English cheese made in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, in a blue version and a white one. The blue kind gets its veins from Penicillium roqueforti. Both hold PDO status, so no cheese made elsewhere can use the name.
What's the Difference Between Driftwood Cheese and Stilton Cheese?
- Milk type: Driftwood Cheese (goat's milk), Stilton Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Driftwood Cheese (unpasteurized), Stilton Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Driftwood Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Stilton Cheese (hard, blue-veined)
- Rind: Driftwood Cheese (ash coated), Stilton Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty), Stilton Cheese (spicy, strong)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Driftwood Cheese | Stilton Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | England |
| Specific Origin | — | Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft, artisan | Hard, blue-veined |
| Rind | Ash coated | Natural |
| Aging | — | 9 to 12 weeks |
| Taste | Citrusy, salty | Spicy, strong |
Taste Comparison: Does Driftwood Cheese Taste Like Stilton Cheese?
Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Stilton Cheese brings spicy, strong character.
Can You Substitute Driftwood Cheese for Stilton Cheese?
Driftwood Cheese can stand in for Stilton 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 hard, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty while Stilton Cheese brings spicy, strong notes.
Which Is Better, Driftwood Cheese or Stilton 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 hard, blue-veined profile, Stilton Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese suits recipes that want citrusy, salty notes, while Stilton Cheese fits dishes calling for spicy, strong.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Driftwood Cheese the same as Stilton Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk; Stilton Cheese uses cow.
Is Driftwood Cheese similar to Stilton Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Driftwood Cheese for Stilton Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Driftwood Cheese taste like Stilton Cheese?
Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Stilton Cheese is spicy, strong.
What is Driftwood Cheese made of?
Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England.
What is Stilton Cheese made of?
Stilton Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 9 to 12 weeks. It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Driftwood Cheese or Stilton Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Stilton Cheese is hard, blue-veined.