Washed-Rind vs Alpine Cheeses: What’s the Difference?
By Jumi Cheese UK • 8–10 min read
Swiss Cheese Washed Rind Alpine Cheese Mainland UK Delivery
Quick note: This article is educational only and not medical advice. Soft, raw-milk cheeses should be consumed with caution by pregnant people, infants, older adults, and anyone with weakened immunity. See NHS/FSA guidance for details.
Washed-rind cheeses and alpine cheeses are like two wildly different personalities at a dinner party. One is bold, aromatic, and loves attention. The other is steady, nutty, dependable, and quietly irresistible.
At Jumi, we make and import both — all using raw milk and traditional Swiss alpine craftsmanship. So let’s explore the differences, the flavours, and the delicious overlap between these two cheese worlds.
1. What are washed-rind cheeses?
Washed-rind cheeses are cheeses whose rinds are regularly washed during aging — usually with:
- salted brine
- wine or beer
- or special cultures like Brevibacterium linens (B. linens)
The washing keeps the rind moist and encourages orange bacteria to flourish. These friendly bacteria create a savoury, meaty aroma and a sticky, colourful rind.
The result: soft, gooey interiors with a deep, funky, utterly addictive flavour.
2. Why washed-rind cheeses smell strong
Here’s the fun part — and the bit most people secretly want to know.
The famous aroma comes from three things:
- Brevibacterium linens (B. linens) — the same bacteria that naturally occurs on human skin (yes, really), which is why the smell feels “familiar.”
- Moisture — washed-rind cheeses stay humid during aging, which magnifies aroma.
- Breakdown of proteins — creates savoury, meaty, deeply umami notes.
Despite the strong smell, the taste is often way creamier and milder than you expect. In fact, washed-rind cheeses are some of the most comforting, spoonable, melt-in-your-mouth cheeses on earth.
3. What are alpine cheeses?
Alpine cheeses are the iconic firm, nutty cheeses of the Swiss and French mountains. Examples include:
- Gruyère
- Schlossberger
- Emmental
- Comté
They are cooked, pressed, and aged for months (or years), resulting in:
- dense yet elastic texture
- complex nutty flavour
- crispy protein crystals (in older cheeses)
- excellent melting qualities
These cheeses are naturally low in lactose and always deliciously dependable.
4. Washed-Rind vs Alpine: The Key Differences
| Washed-Rind Cheeses | Alpine Cheeses |
|---|---|
| Soft, gooey, creamy texture | Firm, elastic, sliceable texture |
| Washed in brine/wine/beer during aging | Cooked and pressed curds |
| Orange/pink sticky rind | Thick natural/dry brushed rind |
| Bold aroma, savoury flavour | Nutty, sweet, balanced flavour |
| Short to medium aging time | Medium to long aging time (up to years) |
Both have incredible depth — just in entirely different directions.
5. How they compare to other cheese families
Washed-rind vs bloomy rind (Brie/Camembert)
Bloomy rind = white, mushroomy, buttery Washed-rind = orange, savoury, funky
Washed-rind vs blue cheese
Blue = veiny, spicy, metallic Washed-rind = sticky rind, gooey centre, meaty depth
Washed-rind vs cheddar/clothbound
Cheddar = sharp, crumbly, earthy Washed-rind = soft, creamy, aromatic
Washed-rind vs fresh cheeses
Fresh = light, tangy Washed-rind = powerful, savoury, melt-in-your-mouth
6. Washed-Rind Cheeses by Jumi
Jumi specialises in expressive, characterful washed-rind cheeses. Here are our stars:
Creamy, aromatic, with a gorgeous sticky rind. A perfect intro to washed-rind flavours.
Soft, gooey, indulgent — funky in the best possible way.
A washed-rind beauty wrapped in spruce for an extra hit of alpine resin and aroma.
7. Pairing Washed-Rind Cheeses (Jumi Style)
Washed-rind cheeses are bold, creamy and deeply savoury — which means they pair beautifully with sweet, spicy and aromatic condiments.
Signature Jumi pairings:
- Chag — Apricot, chilli & ginger jam (incredible contrast!)
- Truffle Honey — Earthy sweetness meets funky washed-rind magic
- Cornichons — acidity cuts richness perfectly
- Fionagh’s Crackers — adds crunch and balance
Washed-rind heaven.
8. Mainland UK Delivery
Order washed-rind and alpine cheeses with free shipping over £40.
9. Discover More at Jumi Events
Join our raclette & fondue nights in London to explore Swiss cheese culture in a fun, relaxed setting.
Prefer to browse in person? Visit us in Borough Market, Newington Green or Crouch End: find locations.
10. FAQs
What makes washed-rind cheese smell strong?
The rind is washed in brine or cultures like B. linens, creating an orange rind and aromatic character.
Are washed-rind cheeses very strong?
They smell strong, but many taste surprisingly creamy and gentle.
Are washed-rind cheeses safe?
They are safe for most people. Vulnerable groups should consume soft, raw-milk cheeses with caution and follow NHS/FSA advice.
Are alpine cheeses washed-rind?
No — they are cooked, pressed, and aged firm cheeses with a brown natural rind.