Époisses Cheese vs Gruyere Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Époisses Cheese and Gruyere Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Époisses Cheese and Gruyere Cheese?"
• "Is Époisses Cheese and Gruyere Cheese the same?"
• "How does Époisses Cheese compare to Gruyere Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Époisses Cheese compare to Gruyere Cheese?"
• "Is Époisses Cheese or Gruyere Cheese better?"

Époisses Cheese Overview

Époisses is a strongly flavored, washed-rind cheese from Burgundy, made from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy texture and rich, intense flavor with hints of barnyard and bacon. The rind is washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy during maturation, contributing to its characteristic strong smell and deep orange color. Époisses is typically eaten with crusty bread or used to add depth to sauces.

Gruyere Cheese Overview

American Gruyere is inspired by the classic Swiss cheese but made in the United States. It replicates the sweet, slightly nutty flavor of traditional Gruyere. This version is typically smoother and creamier, with fewer age-induced cracks and holes. It is commonly used in cooking, especially in fondues, gratins, and baked dishes.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Époisses Cheese comes from France. Gruyere Cheese originated from United States.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991). Gruyere is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Époisses Cheese is made with cow milk. Gruyere Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy". Gruyere Cheese has a fat content of ~30-34% and a moisture content of none. Gruyere's texture can be described as "semi-firm".

Taste and Aroma

Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth". Gruyere Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly buttery taste. Gruyere's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty, buttery".

Appearance and Aging

Époisses Cheese's appearance is colored orange ivory to brick red , is available in small and large sizes and is aged minimum of 28 days . Gruyere Cheese has a color of pale yellow to golden , comes in block, wheel, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 3-6 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind . Gruyere Cheese's rind is described as natural or brushed, sometimes waxed , with microbial or vegetarian (varies by producer) rennet.

Ranking

Époisses is ranked #30 out of 996 types based on community views. Gruyere is ranked #41 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Époisses and Gruyere pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a soft and creamy cheese, go for Époisses. But if you enjoy a semi-firm consistency, Gruyere might be the better pick. Époisses has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Gruyere offers a mild, nutty, slightly buttery profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Époisses Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Gruyere Cheese to Other Cheeses