Idiazabal Cheese vs Innes Log Cheese
Idiazabal Cheese is a firm, slightly elastic sheep-milk cheese from Spain, while Innes Log Cheese is 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 Log Cheese?
Innes Log is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk near Tamworth, Staffordshire, England. This cheese features a pale yellow hue and a bloomy rind, contributing to its fresh and lactic aroma. It offers a citrusy, milky, and nutty flavor profile with a tangy finish. The texture is creamy and smooth, making it a satisfying choice for anyone who enjoys the rich and tangy characteristics of goat's milk cheese. Perfect for a cheese board or paired with fresh bread, Innes Log is a delicious example of traditional English cheesemaking.
What's the Difference Between Idiazabal Cheese and Innes Log Cheese?
- Origin: Idiazabal Cheese (Spain), Innes Log Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Idiazabal Cheese (Sheep), Innes Log Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Idiazabal Cheese (Raw), Innes Log Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Idiazabal Cheese (Firm, slightly elastic), Innes Log Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Idiazabal Cheese (Hard, smooth), Innes Log Cheese (bloomy)
- Taste: Idiazabal Cheese (Intense, slightly piquant), Innes Log Cheese (citrusy, milky, nutty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Idiazabal Cheese | Innes Log 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 | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Hard, smooth | Bloomy |
| Aging | 60 days | — |
| Taste | Intense, slightly piquant | Citrusy, milky, nutty, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Idiazabal Cheese Taste Like Innes Log Cheese?
Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant, while Innes Log Cheese brings citrusy, milky, nutty, tangy character. On the nose, Idiazabal Cheese offers lactic, roasted, animal, nutty, vegetable, contrasted with Innes Log Cheese's fresh, lactic.
Can You Substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Innes Log Cheese?
Idiazabal Cheese can stand in for Innes Log 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 soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant while Innes Log Cheese brings citrusy, milky, nutty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Idiazabal Cheese or Innes Log 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 soft, artisan profile, Innes Log Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Idiazabal Cheese suits recipes that want intense, slightly piquant notes, while Innes Log Cheese fits dishes calling for citrusy, milky, nutty, tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Idiazabal Cheese the same as Innes Log Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Idiazabal Cheese originates in Spain, while Innes Log Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk; Innes Log Cheese uses goat.
Is Idiazabal Cheese similar to Innes Log Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Innes Log Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Idiazabal Cheese taste like Innes Log Cheese?
Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant, while Innes Log Cheese is citrusy, milky, nutty, tangy. Aromas also diverge. Idiazabal Cheese leans lactic, roasted, animal, nutty, vegetable, and Innes Log 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 Log Cheese made of?
Innes Log Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Idiazabal Cheese or Innes Log Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Idiazabal Cheese is firm, slightly elastic, while Innes Log Cheese is soft, artisan.