Ossetra vs Kaluga vs Siberian: Which Caviar Should You Buy?
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Ossetra, Kaluga and Siberian are the three sturgeon caviars most people actually choose between, and almost nobody explains the difference in plain language. Here is the honest side-by-side, from a company that sells all three. Scroll to the bottom for a full spec table covering every tin we make.
The 30-second answer
Siberian is the clean, buttery entry point and the most affordable true caviar. Kaluga is the crowd-pleaser: large, silky pearls and a rich, almost hazelnut finish. Ossetra is the connoisseur's classic: nutty, refined and complex. You cannot go wrong; you can only match the tin to your taste and budget.
Siberian caviar: the smart first tin
Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) produces small-to-medium onyx pearls with a clean, buttery flavor and a gentle brine. It matures faster than other sturgeon, which keeps the price accessible. Our Reserve Siberian starts at $99 for 30g. If you are buying true caviar for the first time, start here.
Kaluga caviar: big pearls, big finish
Kaluga (Huso dauricus), sometimes called river beluga, gives you the largest pearls of the three with a smooth, creamy pop and a long, buttery finish. It is the one guests remember. Our Reserve Kaluga starts at $105 for 30g, and Grand Cru Kaluga ($116 for 30g) is the bolder, silkier step up.
Ossetra caviar: the classic for a reason
Ossetra (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) is what most people picture when they hear the word caviar: firm amber-to-brown pearls with a distinctly nutty, toasted flavor. Our Reserve Ossetra starts at $116 for 30g, and Imperial Ossetra ($125 for 30g) is the refined top shelf.
Quick comparison
Pearl size: Kaluga largest, Ossetra medium, Siberian smallest. Flavor: Kaluga buttery and rich, Ossetra nutty and complex, Siberian clean and mild. Best for: Kaluga for impressing guests, Ossetra for traditionalists, Siberian for first-timers and everyday luxury. Price at Cavière: Siberian from $99, Kaluga from $105, Ossetra from $116.
Taste them side by side
The fastest way to learn your preference is a flight. The Starter Kit ($179) and The Reserve Tasting Set ($260) include caviar plus blinis, crème fraîche and a mother-of-pearl spoon, shipped overnight on ice.
The full Cavière lineup at a glance
Beyond the big three, here is every tin we make with species, pearl size, flavor and 30g price. Bookmark this section and come back whenever you need the specs.
The signature line
| Caviar | Species | Pearls | Flavor | 30g |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Sturgeon | Acipenser transmontanus | Medium, dark | Smooth, nutty, buttery | $99 |
| Grand Cru Kaluga | Huso dauricus x A. schrenckii | Large, glossy | Bold, creamy | $116 |
| Imperial Ossetra | Acipenser gueldenstaedtii | Medium, firm | Refined, nutty, toasted-hazelnut | $125 |
The Reserve line
Reserve tins are selected for larger, firmer pearls and a richer finish.
| Caviar | Species | Pearls | Flavor | 30g |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve Siberian | Acipenser baerii | Onyx | Clean, buttery, lightly briny | $99 |
| Reserve Kaluga | Huso dauricus | Large | Rich, creamy, hazelnut depth | $105 |
| Reserve Ossetra | Acipenser gueldenstaedtii | Firm | Buttery, nutty, layered toast | $116 |
Every caviar above is also sold in 50g, 125g, 250g and 500g tins, sized on the product page by how many people you are serving.
Roe and kits
Smoked Trout Roe (from $14) is the budget-friendly entry point: larger orange pearls, a clean pop, and a smoky flavor. Kits bundle caviar with blinis, crème fraîche, and a mother-of-pearl spoon. The Starter Kit ($179) and The Reserve Tasting Set ($260) are the two flights, and The Host Set ($255) is sized for a group.
How the range is graded
Across the lineup, price tracks the species and how long the fish takes to mature, plus pearl size and grade. Signature tins are the everyday range; Reserve tins are the top selection of each harvest. All caviar is farm-raised and packed to order.
Still unsure? Browse all caviar and roe.
