What is the Double Gloucester Cheese Wheel?
The Double Gloucester cheese wheel is solid, round, and well suited for rolling. It comes from cow’s milk and is aged until firm. Because of its shape and durability, it works well on steep slopes in tradition-based events.
A full wheel of Double Gloucester typically sells for around $100 USD (approx. £80-£90) for a whole 5-lb wheel in online stores. (Gourmet Food World)
What Makes the Double Gloucester Cheese Wheel Unique
Its texture is harder than many common cheeses, and its shape holds up well when it rolls downhill. The bright orange rind comes from annatto dye, making it easily visible during festive events.
Traditional Methods Used to Produce Double Gloucester Cheese
Makers use high-fat milk and sometimes creamier milk from evening and morning milking sessions. The aging process is longer than everyday cheeses, giving the wheel its firm form and rich taste.
Why the Cheese Wheel Is Popular in Traditional Sporting Events
Because it rolls well and keeps its shape, the wheel becomes part of the challenge. Chasing it down a steep hill adds drama and spectacle. That makes it ideal for festivals and races where the cheese is a prize and a prop.
Why Is It Called Double Gloucester?
The name “Double Gloucester” refers to the richer milk used as well as the harder, fuller style of the cheese. It has roots in Gloucestershire, England, and reflects local dairy tradition and naming customs.
Historical Meaning Behind the Name Double Gloucester
“Double” likely signifies the extra cream or the practice of using more robust milk from multiple milkings. This made the cheese heavier, stronger, and more “double” in character compared to its milder cousin.
Differences Between Single Gloucester and Double Gloucester
Single Gloucester is lighter in fat, milder in flavour, and produced under tighter legal protections. Double Gloucester is richer, harder, and more durable, making it more suitable for the rolling-wheel traditions.
How Regional Traditions Shaped the Name Double Gloucester
In Gloucestershire, farmers needed cheese that could travel and remain intact. The bulkier Double Gloucester fit the bill. Over time, the name stuck and became part of local identity.
How Much Is a Double Gloucester Cheese Wheel?
Prices for a Double Gloucester cheese wheel vary depending on size, maturation, and producer. Authentic wheels imported to the U.S. or UK reflect these variables.
Average Price Range of a Double Gloucester Cheese Wheel Today
One example lists a 5-lb wheel at about $97 USD (around £80‐90) when ordered online.
Another source suggests values of $10-12 USD per pound for bulk ordering of Double Gloucester, which translates to about $60-70 USD (≈£50-60) for a 6-lb wheel.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Double Gloucester Cheese
Key factors include maturity (how long it was aged), milk quality (farm vs industrial), region of production, and whether it’s a whole wheel or portion. Farmhouse versions cost more.
Where to Buy an Authentic Double Gloucester Cheese Wheel
Specialty cheese shops, online gourmet food stores, and traditional English dairies supply authentic wheels. Be sure the product is labelled “Double Gloucester” and, ideally, produced in Gloucestershire for full authenticity.
Uses and Cultural Importance of Double Gloucester Cheese Wheel
Beyond food, the cheese wheel carries cultural weight. It features in local festivals, races, and regional heritage celebrations.
How the Cheese Wheel Is Used in Festivals and Local Events
In places like Gloucestershire, the wheel is rolled down a steep hill as part of a race. The winner often receives the wheel as the prize. This turns a simple cheese into a symbol of fun, risk and community tradition.
Why Double Gloucester Remains a Symbol of Gloucestershire Heritage
It reflects the region’s dairy farming roots and the craftsmanship of local cheesemakers. The orange rind and firm texture make it instantly recognizable and tied to local identity.
Culinary Uses of Double Gloucester in Modern Cooking
This cheese melts nicely and has a rich, buttery flavour. It works well in grilled sandwiches, cheeseboards, baked dishes, and as the star in cheese-based traditions.
