What is Double Gloucester? The Taste of English Tradition
Welcome to a flavorful journey through the verdant pastures of England as we delve into the story of Double Gloucester cheese. A classic symbol of English culinary tradition, this semi-hard cheese is a delightful mix of rich, buttery flavor and vibrant orange color.
With a history dating back to the 16th century, Double Gloucester has stood the test of time, becoming a beloved favorite around the world. In this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating tale of Double Gloucester, from its unique production to its iconic taste. So, get ready for an appetizing adventure into English heritage.
Quick Facts About Double Gloucester
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Type | Semi-hard cheese |
| Milk Source | Cow’s milk |
| Color | Orange or yellow |
| Texture | Firm and creamy |
| Taste | Nutty, rich, buttery |
| Aging Time | 4-6 months for Single, up to 12 months for Double |
| Paring | Full-bodied red wines, pale ales |
| Uses | Table cheese, cooking, cheese rolling competitions |
| Special Feature | The ‘Double’ in Double Gloucester refers to the use of whole milk from both morning and evening milking |
| Famous Variant | Huntsman Cheese – a combination of Double Gloucester and Stilton |
| Notable Event | Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake – uses Double Gloucester cheese |
| Production Process | Curd is heated, salted, shaped into wheels and pressed, then aged |
| Weight | A traditional wheel weighs about 20 pounds |
| Unique Characteristic | Its natural rind is brushed and turned regularly during aging process |
| Historical Fact | It has been produced since the 16th century |
What is Double Gloucester
Double Gloucester, an iconic cheese from the lush pastures of England, has been a culinary delight since the 16th century. A semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk, it boasts a vibrant orange or yellow color that instantly catches the eye. The ‘double’ in its name is not about its size but refers to the use of both morning and evening milk, which enhances its rich, creamy texture.
From the first bite, Double Gloucester impresses with its complex flavor profile. It combines nutty undertones with a rich, buttery taste and a hint of sharpness, creating a unique taste sensation. This versatility extends beyond its flavor. Whether it’s gracing a cheeseboard, melting into a comforting dish, or starring in the famous Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling competition, Double Gloucester takes center stage.
The production process of Double Gloucester is a testament to traditional cheesemaking techniques. From heating the curd to brushing and turning the natural rind during the aging process, every step contributes to its distinctive characteristics. This dedication to craft is what makes Double Gloucester more than just a cheese – it’s a taste of English history and tradition.
What Does Double Gloucester Taste Like?
Double Gloucester is known for its unique and complex flavor profile. It is a semi-hard cheese that offers a rich, creamy, and buttery taste. The cheese has a distinct nutty undertone with a subtle sharpness, which becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages.
Despite its complexity, Double Gloucester’s flavor is not overwhelming, rather it’s well-balanced and smooth, making it a favorite among both cheese connoisseurs and casual cheese lovers.
Double Gloucester Tasting Notes
- Texture: Double Gloucester is a semi-hard cheese. It has a firm yet creamy texture that is smooth and slightly crumbly, becoming more dense and hard as it ages.
- Color: The cheese boasts a striking orange or yellow color, which is typically due to the addition of annatto, a natural food coloring.
- Flavor: Double Gloucester offers a rich and complex flavor profile. It’s predominantly buttery and creamy with a distinct nutty undertone.
- Sharpness: There’s a subtle sharpness to the cheese that becomes more pronounced as it matures. However, it’s not overly tart, keeping a well-balanced taste.
- Finish: The finish of Double Gloucester lingers on the palate, leaving a pleasant, savory aftertaste that invites another bite.
- Aroma: The cheese has a mild and inviting aroma that complements its flavor profile, adding to the overall tasting experience.
- Versatility: Double Gloucester is a versatile cheese. It’s excellent on its own, pairs well with a variety of wines and beers, and melts beautifully in cooking.
- Age: The cheese is typically aged for around 4 to 6 months for a standard Double Gloucester. A variant known as ‘Old Gloucester’ is aged for up to 18 months, intensifying its flavors.
What is the difference between Single and Double Gloucester?
Single Gloucester and Double Gloucester are both traditional British cheeses, but they have some distinct differences:
- Milk: Single Gloucester is made from the milk of Gloucester cows, while Double Gloucester can be made from any type of cow’s milk.
- Cream Content: Single Gloucester has a lower cream content compared to Double Gloucester, which is made from whole milk. This results in Double Gloucester having a richer and creamier texture.
- Size & Weight: Single Gloucester is typically smaller and lighter than Double Gloucester. The former usually weighs about 9-10kg, while the latter can weigh up to 20kg.
- Ageing: Double Gloucester is generally aged longer than Single Gloucester. This gives it a firmer texture and more pronounced flavor.
- Availability: Single Gloucester has Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning it can only be made in certain areas and under specific conditions. As such, it’s less common and harder to find than Double Gloucester.
- Use in Cheese-Rolling: Double Gloucester is famously used in the annual Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling competition in England. Single Gloucester, due to its smaller size and weight, is not used for this event.
What is the Difference Between Double Gloucester and Cheddar?
| Feature | Double Gloucester | Cheddar |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Originated in the county of Gloucestershire, England. | Originated from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. |
| Milk Used | Traditionally made from the milk of Gloucester cows. | Typically made from cow’s milk. |
| Color | Often has a distinctive orange hue, due to the addition of annatto, a natural food coloring. | Natural cheddar is typically white to pale yellow. Some variations may have added color. |
| Texture | Semi-hard, firm yet creamy, and slightly crumbly. | Hard and crumbly when aged, but can be smooth and mellow when young. |
| Flavor | Buttery and creamy with a nutty undertone. Subtle sharpness that becomes more pronounced as it matures. | Varies widely, from mild to extra sharp. Generally, it has a rich, nutty, and slightly earthy flavor. |
| Aging Process | Aged for around 4 to 6 months for standard Double Gloucester. ‘Old Gloucester’ is aged for up to 18 months. | Aging period varies, but typically ranges from 3 months (for mild Cheddar) to 2 years or more (for mature or vintage Cheddar). |
| Uses | Versatile cheese perfect for snacking, in sandwiches, and melts well for cooking. | Widely used in cooking, in sandwiches, and perfect for snacking. |
| Availability | Widely available. | One of the most produced and consumed cheeses worldwide. Very widely available. |
>> Click here to read our in-depth guide on Cheddar
Is Double Gloucester Similar to Red Leicester?
- Color: Both cheeses have a distinctive orange color. This is due to the addition of a natural dye called annatto.
- Texture: Both are semi-hard cheeses. Double Gloucester has a firm yet creamy texture, while Red Leicester is slightly crumblier with a mellow, flaky texture.
- Flavor: Double Gloucester has a rich, creamy, and buttery taste with a nutty undertone and subtle sharpness. Red Leicester, on the other hand, has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that becomes stronger and more savory with age.
- Aging: Both cheeses are typically aged for similar lengths of time. Double Gloucester is usually aged for around 4 to 6 months, while Red Leicester is generally matured for 6 months, although it can be aged up to a year for a stronger flavor.
- Milk: While Double Gloucester is traditionally made from the milk of Gloucester cows, Red Leicester can be made from the milk of any breed of cow.
While both cheeses share some characteristics, they each have a unique flavor profile and texture that sets them apart.
>> Click here to read our in-depth guide on Red Leicester
10 Best Double Gloucester Substitutes
| Substitute | Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | Both are semi-hard cheeses with a nutty flavor. | Cheddar can range from mild to extra sharp, unlike Double Gloucester’s consistent flavor. |
| Red Leicester | Both have a similar orange color and are semi-hard cheeses. | Red Leicester has a slightly sweet flavor that becomes more savory with age. |
| Colby | Both are semi-hard cheeses with a similar creamy texture. | Colby is typically sweeter than Double Gloucester. |
| Gouda | Both have a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. | Gouda has a sweeter flavor and a wax rind. |
| Edam | Both are semi-hard cheeses that melt well. | Edam has a milder flavor and is often coated in red wax. |
| Monterey Jack | Both have a similar semi-hard texture and mild flavor. | Monterey Jack is made in America and has a slightly sweeter flavor. |
| Havarti | Both are semi-hard cheeses with a creamy texture. | Havarti has tiny holes throughout and a buttery flavor. |
| Jarlsberg | Both are semi-hard, creamy cheeses with a nutty flavor. | Jarlsberg has larger holes and is a bit sweeter. |
| Emmental | Both are semi-hard cheeses with a nutty flavor. | Emmental has larger holes and a slightly sweet and fruity flavor. |
| Muenster | Both are semi-hard cheeses that melt well. | Muenster has a smooth, moist surface and a mild flavor. |
What Pairs Well With Double Gloucester?
Food that goes well with Double Gloucester:
| Category | Foods that Pair Well with Double Gloucester |
|---|---|
| Bread/Biscuits | Whole grain bread, oatcakes, water biscuits, baguette. |
| Fruits/Nuts | Apples, pears, grapes, dried fruits, walnuts, almonds. |
| Meats/Charcuterie | Salami, prosciutto, roast beef, ham. |
| Condiments | Chutney, honey, mustard, pickles. |
| Vegetables | Roasted vegetables, leafy greens, tomatoes. |
| Seafood | Smoked salmon, prawns, crab meat. |
| Desserts | Dark chocolate, fruit tarts, cheesecake. |
| Cheeses | Brie, Camembert, Roquefort (for a cheese board). |
| Pasta/Rice | Macaroni and cheese, risotto, pasta salads. |
| Grains/Seeds | Quinoa, sunflower seeds, flax seeds. |
Also read: 11 Best Crackers that Pair Well with Cheese
Beverage that goes well with Double Gloucester:
| Category | Beverages that Pair Well with Double Gloucester |
|---|---|
| Wine | Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Port. |
| Beer | Pale Ales, Stout, Porter, Brown Ale. |
| Cider | Dry apple cider, pear cider. |
| Whisky | Single malt scotch, bourbon. |
| Non-Alcoholic Drinks | Apple juice, grape juice, herbal tea. |
| Spirits | Brandy, rum. |
| Cocktails | Old fashioned, Manhattan, Dark ‘n’ Stormy. |
| Coffee/Tea | Black coffee, Earl Grey tea, Chai tea. |
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- What is Mimolette? The Luminous Cheese of Lille
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