Imperial Ossetra Caviar

Imperial Ossetra Caviar (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), also spelled Osetra or Oscietra, is harvested from sturgeon aged up to 10 years and prized for its refined flavor and elegant presentation. The medium pearls deliver a layered tasting experience: toasted hazelnut, a whisper of sea breeze, and a clean, lingering finish. This is our connoisseur's tin, the one to graduate to once you know what you like. Sophisticated yet approachable, it is perfect for dinner parties and thoughtful gifts. From $155 for a 30g tin.

Tasting notes: Toasted hazelnut and a clean sea-breeze brininess, with a refined, lingering finish and a firm, satisfying pop.

Sourcing: Responsibly farm-raised sturgeon, matured up to 10 years. Like all caviar legally sold today, ours comes from regulated, CITES-compliant aquaculture rather than wild harvest.

How much do I need? Serving guide:

• 30g: serves 1–2 (tasting for one or two)
• 50g: serves 2–3 (date night or small plate)
• 125g: serves 4–6 (dinner party)
• 250g: serves 10–12 (celebration)
• 500g: serves 20–25 (large event)

A good rule of thumb is about 15–30g per person as an appetizer.

Serving suggestions: Pair with blinis, crème fraîche, or your favorite carb for a timeless indulgence. Enjoy from a mother-of-pearl spoon and serve with Champagne or chilled vodka.

Freshness & storage: Packed to order and shipped cold to protect freshness. Keep sealed and refrigerated for 4–6 weeks. Once opened, enjoy within 48–72 hours for peak flavor.

Frequently asked questions

What does Imperial Ossetra taste like?
Refined and nutty, with toasted-hazelnut notes, a clean sea-breeze brininess, and a firm pop. It is the classic connoisseur's choice.

Is it Ossetra, Osetra or Oscietra?
All three spellings refer to the same species, Acipenser gueldenstaedtii. We use Ossetra.

Is Imperial Ossetra a good first caviar?
It is spectacular, but its complexity is best appreciated once you have a reference point. For a first tin we suggest White Sturgeon or Reserve Siberian. See our guide to the best caviar for beginners.

Ossetra vs Kaluga: what is the difference?
Ossetra is nutty and elegant with medium pearls; Kaluga is bolder and creamier with larger pearls. Read the full Ossetra vs Kaluga comparison.

Where does it come from?
From responsibly managed sturgeon aquaculture, the standard for all caviar legally sold today under CITES regulations.

How should I store it?
Keep sealed and refrigerated; unopened it lasts 4–6 weeks. Once opened, enjoy within 48–72 hours.

How is it shipped?
Order by 1 PM Eastern (noon Central), Monday through Thursday, and your tin ships the same day for next-day delivery. We ship Monday through Thursday only, and never on U.S. holidays, so orders around a holiday go out on the next available shipping day. Free overnight shipping on orders $89 and over.

Is caviar gluten-free?
Yes, caviar is naturally gluten-free. Accompaniments such as blinis are not.

To ensure your Caviére selection arrives in pristine condition, we ship via Priority Overnight in premium thermal insulation with specialized ice packs, maintaining the optimal temperature from our boutique to your door.

Shipping is free on all orders of $89 or more. Orders under $89 ship for a flat $35 rate.

Delivery Details:

Ordering: Place your order by 1 PM Eastern (noon Central), Monday through Thursday, and it ships the same day for next-day delivery.

Shipping days: We ship Monday through Thursday only, so your caviar never sits in a warm warehouse over a weekend.

Holidays: We do not ship on U.S. holidays, and carriers do not deliver on them. If a holiday falls on one of our shipping days, your order ships the next available shipping day.

Perishables: Shipped via Priority Overnight, free on orders $89 and over, otherwise a flat $35.

Accessories: Non-perishable items ship via Ground service, included free on orders $89 and over.

Availability: We currently ship to the United States.