Old Winchester Cheese vs Reblochon Cheese
Old Winchester Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from England, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Old Winchester Cheese?
Old Winchester, also known as Old Smales, is a hard cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk in Landford, England. It has a firm texture and a rich, nutty aroma. The flavor is savory and tangy, with a hint of sweetness that adds depth. This cheese is reminiscent of an aged Gouda or Parmesan and often features a slightly crystalline texture due to the aging process. It's an excellent choice for grating over dishes or enjoying on a cheese board. Old Winchester pairs well with full-bodied red wines or dark ales, enhancing its sharp and nutty character.
What Is Reblochon Cheese?
Reblochon is a soft, washed-rind cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. It tastes nutty, holds an AOC designation, and is the cheese that makes tartiflette work.
What's the Difference Between Old Winchester Cheese and Reblochon Cheese?
- Origin: Old Winchester Cheese (England), Reblochon Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Old Winchester Cheese (pasteurized), Reblochon Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Old Winchester Cheese (hard), Reblochon Cheese (Ivory-colored, creamy and supple)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Old Winchester Cheese | Reblochon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Landford | Haute-Savoie And Savoie |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Raw whole cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Hard | Ivory-colored, creamy and supple |
| Rind | — | Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold |
| Aging | — | 3 to 4 months |
| Taste | — | Creamy, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Old Winchester Cheese Taste Like Reblochon Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Old Winchester Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?
In most recipes, Old Winchester Cheese and Reblochon Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for ivory-colored, creamy and supple.
Which Is Better, Old Winchester Cheese or Reblochon Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Old Winchester Cheese. For a ivory-colored, creamy and supple profile, Reblochon Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Winchester Cheese the same as Reblochon Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Old Winchester Cheese originates in England, while Reblochon Cheese comes from France.
Is Old Winchester Cheese similar to Reblochon Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Old Winchester Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Old Winchester Cheese taste like Reblochon Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Old Winchester Cheese made of?
Old Winchester Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in England.
What is Reblochon Cheese made of?
Reblochon Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using natural rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Old Winchester Cheese or Reblochon Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Old Winchester Cheese is hard, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple.