Cheese Database

Caerphilly vs Wensleydale

Caerphilly

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
United Kingdom

Caerphilly is a pressed cow's milk cheese from the United Kingdom, and it is the Welsh cheese people mean when they want a moist, crumbly slice. A young wheel is pale and mild, with a clean lemon-like tang rather than a long aged bite. The paste breaks into soft crumbs instead of forming long strands. Traditional wheels grow a thin natural rind, while many creamery blocks are sold younger and simpler. It is firm enough to slice, but it still eats like a fresh tasting cheese.

Wensleydale, field guide plate
Wensleydale, photographed

Wensleydale

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
United Kingdom

Wensleydale is a young English cheese from the United Kingdom. It is made from cow's milk and pressed into wheels or blocks that stay moist and crumbly. The flavor is mild, with a fresh tang and a light honey note. Plain wheels are white and clean tasting. Fruit versions mix the same curd with cranberries or other dried fruit, and both styles remain the same cheese.