Brie Cheese vs Dunlop Cheese

Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Dunlop Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Scotland.

What Is Brie Cheese?

Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese named after the French region it comes from, pale under a white mould rind. It runs 60 to 75 percent butterfat and tastes creamy, nutty and mushroom-like, with a faint acidity. The rind is eaten along with the paste.

What Is Dunlop Cheese?

Dunlop is a sweet-milk cheese from Dunlop in East Ayrshire, Scotland, made from unskimmed cow's milk and close to a soft Cheddar in texture. Mild, sweet and buttery, it matures for six to twelve months and is eaten on its own or with a dram of whisky.

What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Dunlop Cheese?

• Origin: Brie Cheese (France), Dunlop Cheese (Scotland)
• Milk treatment: Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized), Dunlop Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Dunlop Cheese (hard)
• Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Dunlop Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Brie Cheese (at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir), Dunlop Cheese (6 to 12 months)
• Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Dunlop Cheese (buttery, nutty, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Dunlop Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Dunlop Cheese brings buttery, nutty, sweet character. On the nose, Brie Cheese offers ammoniated when overripe, contrasted with Dunlop Cheese's light, elegant fragrance. More specifically, Brie Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Dunlop Cheese leans toward mild, sweet and buttery-tasting. Aging plays into this as well. Brie Cheese at at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir develops a different profile than Dunlop Cheese at 6 to 12 months.

Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Dunlop Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie Cheese and Dunlop Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for hard. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Dunlop Cheese brings buttery, nutty, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Dunlop Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie Cheese. For a hard profile, Dunlop Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, mushroom notes, while Dunlop Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, nutty, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie Cheese the same as Dunlop Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie Cheese originates in France, while Dunlop Cheese comes from Scotland. Aging also differs: Brie Cheese is typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir, Dunlop Cheese 6 to 12 months.

Is Brie Cheese similar to Dunlop Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Dunlop Cheese?

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

Does Brie Cheese taste like Dunlop Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Dunlop Cheese is buttery, nutty, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Brie Cheese leans ammoniated when overripe, and Dunlop Cheese is closer to light, elegant fragrance.

What is Brie Cheese made of?

Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir. It originates in France.

What is Dunlop Cheese made of?

Dunlop Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 to 12 months. It originates in Scotland.

Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Dunlop Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Dunlop Cheese is hard.