Double Gloucester Cheese vs Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese

Double Gloucester Cheese is a hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from England, while Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese is firm, crumbly and made from cow milk.

What Is Double Gloucester Cheese?

Double Gloucester is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese made in Gloucestershire, England, since the 16th century. It ages longer than Single Gloucester, giving it a stronger, more savoury flavour, and it is the cheese sent rolling down Cooper's Hill each spring.

What Is Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese?

Yorkshire Wensleydale is a cow's milk cheese made in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, and only cheese made there may use the name. It is known for a supple, crumbly body, a faint honey aroma, and its fame as Wallace's favourite cheese.

What's the Difference Between Double Gloucester Cheese and Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Double Gloucester Cheese (pasteurized in supermarket versions), Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese (Raw or pasteurized)
• Texture: Double Gloucester Cheese (hard, artisan), Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese (Firm, Crumbly)
• Rind: Double Gloucester Cheese (natural), Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese (Cloth-bound or none)
• Taste: Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy), Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese (Slightly acidic, mellow, and honeyed; stronger and more complex when aged)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Double Gloucester Cheese Taste Like Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese?

Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese brings slightly acidic, mellow, and honeyed; stronger and more complex when aged character. On the nose, Double Gloucester Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese's lactic, slightly acidic; develops stronger notes when aged. More specifically, Double Gloucester Cheese shows stronger and more savoury than single gloucester, while Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese leans toward sweet, creamy, lactic, with a distinctive pleasant aftertaste.

Can You Substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese?

In most recipes, Double Gloucester Cheese and Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for firm, crumbly. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy while Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese brings slightly acidic, mellow, and honeyed; stronger and more complex when aged notes.

Which Is Better, Double Gloucester Cheese or Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard, artisan cheese, go with Double Gloucester Cheese. For a firm, crumbly profile, Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese suits recipes that want smooth, tangy notes, while Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese fits dishes calling for slightly acidic, mellow, and honeyed; stronger and more complex when aged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Double Gloucester Cheese the same as Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Double Gloucester Cheese similar to Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Double Gloucester Cheese taste like Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese?

Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese is slightly acidic, mellow, and honeyed; stronger and more complex when aged. Aromas also diverge. Double Gloucester Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese is closer to lactic, slightly acidic; develops stronger notes when aged.

What is Double Gloucester Cheese made of?

Double Gloucester Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized in supermarket versions). It originates in England.

What is Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese made of?

Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 weeks to 12 months.

Which should I choose, Double Gloucester Cheese or Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Double Gloucester Cheese is hard, artisan, while Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese is firm, crumbly.