double gloucester
LowSpecialist / Culinary / British Regional
Definition
Meaning
A traditional hard English cheese, originally from Gloucestershire, made from the milk of Gloucester cattle. It is typically orange in colour and has a rich, buttery flavour.
Can refer specifically to the aged, firmer version of Gloucester cheese (as opposed to 'Single Gloucester'), often associated with regional British food culture and culinary heritage.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a proper noun referring to a specific product with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). It is often capitalised. 'Double' refers to the use of full-fat milk and a longer aging process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is known and used in the UK, especially in contexts of British cheeses and regional produce. In the US, it is primarily known to food enthusiasts, specialty cheese shops, or in contexts discussing British foods.
Connotations
In the UK: Tradition, regional identity, classic ploughman's lunch. In the US: An imported specialty item, often perceived as a gourmet or niche British product.
Frequency
High frequency in UK culinary/specialist contexts; very low frequency in general American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + Double Gloucester (e.g., 'grate', 'slice', 'sell')Double Gloucester + [verb] (e.g., 'matures', 'comes from')[adjective] + Double Gloucester (e.g., 'authentic', 'crumbly')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in import/export, specialty food retail, and agriculture sectors discussing British produce.
Academic
Might appear in food history, cultural studies, or gastronomy texts focusing on British regional products.
Everyday
Used when discussing cheese options, preparing a ploughman's lunch, or shopping at a farmer's market or deli.
Technical
Used in dairy science, cheesemaking, and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO/PGI) regulations.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like cheese. Double Gloucester is good.
- For the picnic, we bought some bread and a piece of Double Gloucester.
- Protected by a Geographical Indication, authentic Double Gloucester can only be produced in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and surrounding counties.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DOUBLE-decker bus in GLOUCESTER town, both are classic, sturdy, and distinctly British.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD IS HERITAGE / A REGION IS ITS PRODUCT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation like 'двойной Глостер' without context, as it sounds like a place name. Use descriptive terms like 'сыр Дабл Глостер' or 'твёрдый сыр Глостер'.
- The 'double' does not refer to quantity but to the richness and aging process.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'Double Glouster' or 'Double Gloster'.
- Confusing it with 'Single Gloucester'.
- Using it as a common noun uncapitalised (*'a double gloucester').
- Pronouncing 'Gloucester' as /ɡlaʊˈsɛstər/ instead of /ˈɡlɒstə/ (UK) or /ˈɡlɑːstər/ (US).
Practice
Quiz
What primarily distinguishes Double Gloucester from Single Gloucester?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are both hard, British cow's milk cheeses, but Double Gloucester is typically milder, butterier, and has a tighter texture than a mature Cheddar.
Historically, 'Double' referred to the use of full-fat milk (as opposed to the semi-skimmed used for Single Gloucester) and a longer aging process, resulting in a richer cheese.
Yes, it melts well and is excellent for sauces, grilled cheese sandwiches, and topping dishes, though its distinctive flavour is also best enjoyed on its own.
It is exported and can be found in specialty cheese shops, gourmet food stores, and some larger supermarkets with international cheese sections, particularly in North America and Europe.