Innes Brick Cheese vs Queijo Serra da Estrela

Innes Brick Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Queijo Serra da Estrela is closed, slightly buttery, creamy and smooth (standard); closed or with some eyes, slightly dry crumbly body (velho) and made from sheep milk, originating in Portugal.

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 Is Queijo Serra da Estrela?

Serra da Estrela is a sheep's milk cheese from the mountains of central Portugal, protected as a PDO in the European Union and the UK. It is coagulated with thistle instead of rennet, and its paste runs from nearly semi-liquid when young to solid but sliceable with age.

What's the Difference Between Innes Brick Cheese and Queijo Serra da Estrela?

• Origin: Innes Brick Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Queijo Serra da Estrela (Portugal)
• Milk type: Innes Brick Cheese (goat's milk), Queijo Serra da Estrela (Sheep)
• Milk treatment: Innes Brick Cheese (unpasteurized), Queijo Serra da Estrela (Raw)
• Texture: Innes Brick Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Queijo Serra da Estrela (Closed, slightly buttery, creamy and smooth (standard); closed or with some eyes, slightly dry crumbly body (Velho))
• Rind: Innes Brick Cheese (mold ripened), Queijo Serra da Estrela (Smooth and semi-soft (standard), smooth to slightly wrinkled and hard to extra hard (Velho))
• Taste: Innes Brick Cheese (mild, milky, nutty), Queijo Serra da Estrela (Smooth, clean, and slightly acidic (standard); pleasant, lingering, clean, strong to slightly strong and slightly spicy/salty (Velho))

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Innes Brick Cheese Taste Like Queijo Serra da Estrela?

Innes Brick Cheese reads as mild, milky, nutty, while Queijo Serra da Estrela brings smooth, clean, and slightly acidic (standard); pleasant, lingering, clean, strong to slightly strong and slightly spicy/salty (velho) character. On the nose, Innes Brick Cheese offers fresh, lactic, contrasted with Queijo Serra da Estrela's pungent.

Can You Substitute Innes Brick Cheese for Queijo Serra da Estrela?

Innes Brick Cheese can stand in for Queijo Serra da Estrela in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for closed, slightly buttery, creamy and smooth (standard); closed or with some eyes, slightly dry crumbly body (velho). Flavor-wise, Innes Brick Cheese reads as mild, milky, nutty while Queijo Serra da Estrela brings smooth, clean, and slightly acidic (standard); pleasant, lingering, clean, strong to slightly strong and slightly spicy/salty (velho) notes.

Which Is Better, Innes Brick Cheese or Queijo Serra da Estrela?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Innes Brick Cheese. For a closed, slightly buttery, creamy and smooth (standard); closed or with some eyes, slightly dry crumbly body (velho) profile, Queijo Serra da Estrela is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Innes Brick Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, nutty notes, while Queijo Serra da Estrela fits dishes calling for smooth, clean, and slightly acidic (standard); pleasant, lingering, clean, strong to slightly strong and slightly spicy/salty (velho).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Innes Brick Cheese the same as Queijo Serra da Estrela?

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

Is Innes Brick Cheese similar to Queijo Serra da Estrela?

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

Can I substitute Innes Brick Cheese for Queijo Serra da Estrela?

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

Does Innes Brick Cheese taste like Queijo Serra da Estrela?

Innes Brick Cheese reads as mild, milky, nutty, while Queijo Serra da Estrela is smooth, clean, and slightly acidic (standard); pleasant, lingering, clean, strong to slightly strong and slightly spicy/salty (velho). Aromas also diverge. Innes Brick Cheese leans fresh, lactic, and Queijo Serra da Estrela is closer to pungent.

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.

What is Queijo Serra da Estrela made of?

Queijo Serra da Estrela is made from sheep milk (raw), using cardoon flower (cynara cardunculus, l) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 30 days; 120 days for "velho". It originates in Portugal.

Which should I choose, Innes Brick Cheese or Queijo Serra da Estrela?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Innes Brick Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Queijo Serra da Estrela is closed, slightly buttery, creamy and smooth (standard); closed or with some eyes, slightly dry crumbly body (velho).