Camembert Cheese vs Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese is firm to smooth and made from cow milk.
What Is Camembert Cheese?
Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.
What Is Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
Vorarlberger Bergkäse is a hard cow's milk cheese from the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, made by hand from raw hay milk and protected as a PDO. It ages 3 to 6 months, sometimes past two years, and tastes nutty with herbal notes.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese (Firm to smooth)
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese (Smear-ripened to dried, brownish yellow to brown granular rind)
- Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese (At least 3 months)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese (Spicy, becoming sharp with increasing age)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | Vorarlberg, Including Regions Bregenzerwald, Kleinwalsertal, Großwalsertal, Leiblachtal (Pfänderstock), Walgau, And Rheintal. |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Firm to smooth |
| Rind | Bloomy | Smear-ripened to dried, brownish yellow to brown granular rind |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | At least 3 months |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Spicy, becoming sharp with increasing age |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese brings spicy, becoming sharp with increasing age character. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese at at least 3 months.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for firm to smooth. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese brings spicy, becoming sharp with increasing age notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Camembert Cheese. For a firm to smooth profile, Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese fits dishes calling for spicy, becoming sharp with increasing age.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese at least 3 months.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese is spicy, becoming sharp with increasing age.
What is Camembert Cheese made of?
Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. It originates in France.
What is Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese made of?
Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using natural rennet. It's typically aged at least 3 months.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese is firm to smooth.