Blue Cheese vs Isle of Mull Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Isle of Mull Cheese is hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.
What Is Blue Cheese?
A type of cheese injected or inoculated with Penicillium mold to create blue or green veins, resulting in a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy or crumbly texture.
What Is Isle of Mull Cheese?
Isle of Mull cheese is a hard, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk in the United Kingdom. It is known for its fruity, sharp, and tangy flavor profile, with a fruity aroma that complements its taste. The cheese has an ivory color and a firm texture, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy bold flavors in their cheese. Isle of Mull is sometimes referred to as Isle of Mull Cheddar, indicating its cheddar-like characteristics. Its rich taste pairs well with a variety of foods, from crusty bread to fresh fruits, and it stands out on a cheese board with its distinctive flavor.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Isle of Mull Cheese?
- Origin: Blue Cheese (France), Isle of Mull Cheese (United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Blue Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat), Isle of Mull Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Blue Cheese (Pasteurized or Raw), Isle of Mull Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Isle of Mull Cheese (hard, artisan)
- Taste: Blue Cheese (Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent), Isle of Mull Cheese (fruity, sharp, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Isle of Mull Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | United Kingdom |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Hard, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Fruity, sharp, tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Isle of Mull Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Amaro, Apricot, Asian Pear, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Apple, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, IPA, Malbec, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Port, Scotch, Steak | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Apples, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, California Viogniers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Olives, Prosciutto, Roast Beef | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Blue Cheese and Isle of Mull Cheese
Blue Cheese
Isle of Mull Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Isle of Mull Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Isle of Mull Cheese brings fruity, sharp, tangy character. On the nose, Blue Cheese offers strong, pungent, earthy, funky, contrasted with Isle of Mull Cheese's fruity.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Isle of Mull Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Isle of Mull Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect crumbly, creamy, semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent while Isle of Mull Cheese brings fruity, sharp, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Isle of Mull Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cheese, go with Blue Cheese. For a hard, artisan profile, Isle of Mull Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent notes, while Isle of Mull Cheese fits dishes calling for fruity, sharp, tangy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Isle of Mull Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese originates in France, while Isle of Mull Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Isle of Mull Cheese uses cow.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Isle of Mull Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Isle of Mull Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Isle of Mull Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Isle of Mull Cheese is fruity, sharp, tangy. Aromas also diverge. Blue Cheese leans strong, pungent, earthy, funky, and Isle of Mull Cheese is closer to fruity.
What is Blue Cheese made of?
Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or raw), using traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically aged 2-6 months. It originates in France.
What is Isle of Mull Cheese made of?
Isle of Mull Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Isle of Mull Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Isle of Mull Cheese is hard, artisan.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Isle of Mull Cheese.