Idiazabal Cheese vs Innes Brick Cheese

Q: Is Idiazabal Cheese the same as Innes Brick Cheese?

No. Idiazabal Cheese and Innes Brick Cheese are distinct cheeses from Spain and England, Great Britain and United Kingdom respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Innes Brick Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Idiazabal Cheese for Innes Brick Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Idiazabal Cheese or Innes Brick Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Idiazabal Cheese is a firm, slightly elastic sheep-milk cheese from Spain, while Innes Brick Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

What Is Idiazabal Cheese?

Idiazabal is a pressed sheep's milk cheese from the Basque Country, made with unpasteurized milk and named after a town in Gipuzkoa. It is usually sold unsmoked, tastes strong and slightly piquant, and has held a Denomination of Origin since 1987.

What Is Innes Brick Cheese?

Innes Brick is a semi-soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk near Tamworth, Staffordshire, in England. Its pale yellow interior is complemented by a mold-ripened rind, giving it a fresh, lactic aroma. The flavor is mild and milky with a touch of nuttiness, making it a pleasant choice for those who enjoy gentle goat cheeses. The texture is smooth and creamy, which pairs well with crusty bread or fresh fruits. This cheese offers a simple yet satisfying taste experience, ideal for both casual snacking and refined cheese boards.

What's the Difference Between Idiazabal Cheese and Innes Brick Cheese?

Origin: Idiazabal Cheese (Spain), Innes Brick Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
Milk type: Idiazabal Cheese (Sheep), Innes Brick Cheese (goat's milk)
Milk treatment: Idiazabal Cheese (Raw), Innes Brick Cheese (unpasteurized)
Texture: Idiazabal Cheese (Firm, slightly elastic), Innes Brick Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
Rind: Idiazabal Cheese (Hard, smooth), Innes Brick Cheese (mold ripened)
Taste: Idiazabal Cheese (Intense, slightly piquant), Innes Brick Cheese (mild, milky, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Idiazabal Cheese	Innes Brick Cheese
Country of Origin	Spain	England, Great Britain And United Kingdom
Specific Origin	Basque Country, Navarre	Near Tamworth, Staffordshire
Milk Type	Sheep	Goat's milk
Milk Treatment	Raw	Unpasteurized
Texture	Firm, slightly elastic	Semi-soft, artisan
Rind	Hard, smooth	Mold ripened
Aging	60 days	—
Taste	Intense, slightly piquant	Mild, milky, nutty

Taste Comparison: Does Idiazabal Cheese Taste Like Innes Brick Cheese?

Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant, while Innes Brick Cheese brings mild, milky, nutty character. On the nose, Idiazabal Cheese offers lactic, roasted, animal, nutty, vegetable, contrasted with Innes Brick Cheese's fresh, lactic.

Can You Substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Innes Brick Cheese?

Idiazabal Cheese can stand in for Innes Brick Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect firm, slightly elastic bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant while Innes Brick Cheese brings mild, milky, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Idiazabal Cheese or Innes Brick Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm, slightly elastic cheese, go with Idiazabal Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Innes Brick Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Idiazabal Cheese suits recipes that want intense, slightly piquant notes, while Innes Brick Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, milky, nutty.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Idiazabal Cheese the same as Innes Brick Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Idiazabal Cheese originates in Spain, while Innes Brick Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk; Innes Brick Cheese uses goat.

Is Idiazabal Cheese similar to Innes Brick Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Innes Brick Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Idiazabal Cheese taste like Innes Brick Cheese?

Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant, while Innes Brick Cheese is mild, milky, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Idiazabal Cheese leans lactic, roasted, animal, nutty, vegetable, and Innes Brick Cheese is closer to fresh, lactic.

What is Idiazabal Cheese made of?

Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw), using traditional lamb rennet. It's typically aged 60 days. It originates in Spain.

What is Innes Brick Cheese made of?

Innes Brick Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Idiazabal Cheese or Innes Brick Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Idiazabal Cheese is firm, slightly elastic, while Innes Brick Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.