Iberico Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Iberico Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Iberico Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?"
  • "Is Iberico Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Iberico Cheese compare to L'Etivaz Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Iberico Cheese compare to L'Etivaz Cheese?"
  • "Is Iberico Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese better?"

Iberico Cheese Overview

Queso Iberico is a hard cheese from Spain made using a blend of cow's, goat's, and sheep's milk. It can be crafted from either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk, contributing to its rich and aromatic profile. This cheese has a buttery and nutty flavor with a strong taste that captures the essence of its mixed milk origins. The cheese is typically white in color and features a natural rind. Known also as Iberico Cheese, it offers a satisfying density and a complex taste that pairs well with a variety of foods. Its rich aroma and firm texture make it a popular choice for cheese lovers seeking a traditional Spanish flavor.

L'Etivaz Cheese Overview

L'Etivaz is a hard Alpine cheese from the Vaud region of Switzerland, similar to Gruyère but made in a more artisanal fashion. It is produced only from May to October, using milk from cows grazing on mountain pastures. The cheese has a complex flavor, with fruity, nutty notes and a hint of smokiness, developed during the traditional wood-fired production process.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Iberico Cheese comes from Spain. L'Etivaz Cheese originated from Switzerland.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Iberico is not a protected cheese. L'Etivaz Cheese has a GI (2011).

Milk Type and Treatment

Iberico Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. L'Etivaz Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Iberico's texture can be described as "hard". L'Etivaz's texture can be described as "hard".

Taste and Aroma

Iberico Cheese has a buttery, nutty, strong taste. Iberico's aroma can be described as "aromatic, rich". L'Etivaz's aroma can be described as "smokey".

Appearance and Aging

Iberico Cheese's appearance is colored white . L'Etivaz Cheese has a color of pale yellow .

Rind and Rennet Type

Iberico Cheese's rind is described as natural .

Ranking

Iberico is ranked #87 out of 996 types based on community views. L'Etivaz is ranked #80 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Iberico L'Etivaz
Best Pairings Vinho Verde No pairings listed.
Other Good Pairings No additional pairings listed. No additional pairings listed.

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Iberico and L'Etivaz pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Iberico Cheese L'Etivaz Cheese
Country of Origin Spain Switzerland
Specific Origin Not Specified Not Specified
Certification Not Specified GI (2011)
Milk Type Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized or unpasteurized Unpasteurized
Rind Natural Not Specified
Texture Hard Hard
Taste Buttery, nutty, strong Not Specified
Aroma Aromatic, rich Smokey
Colors White Pale yellow

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Iberico. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, L'Etivaz might be the better pick.

Compare Iberico Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare L'Etivaz Cheese to Other Cheeses

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