Summer is a great time to host a caviar tasting party. At this point in the summer, everyone is ready for something different from the routine BBQ or hamburgers. Hosting a swanky caviar tasting party is the perfect solution to those long, hot summer days.
Start with buying two or three different quality caviars to taste. For a tasting for four people, 30-50 grams of each tin will suffice and a tasting for eight, needs 50-125 grams of each tin. Remember to use mother of pearl spoons, which can easily can be added to your order if you buy online. Using metal spoons will change that taste of the caviar, so if you do not have pearlized spoons then use wooden or plastic ones.
Next, pair your caviar with chilled vodka or Brut Champagne. Both libations provide a nice balance to the caviar. Choosing between vodka or Champagne depends on the mood, theme, or experience you wish your guest to have.
Traditional accompaniments are minced egg whites, minced egg yolks, minced red onions, toast points, mini blinis, and crème fraîche. Many experts will suggest you skip all of the accompaniments and just place the caviar on a piece of toast or even a plain potato chip. It gives the taster pure sense of the caviar’s flavor. Flavors will ranges from buttery to earthy.
For a complete guide on the different types of caviars, check the articles Wildcatter’s Guide to Caviar and Roe and Wildcatter’s Guide to American Caviar.
Wildcatter Hints for a Caviar Tasting Party
- Place vodka bottles in the freezer for a super chilled tasting.
- Remove caviar from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Place caviar tin on top of a bed of crushed ice or serve from a presentoir.
- For your vegetarian/vegan friends, try Cavi-Art, a plant-based caviar made from seaweed.
- Petrossian is a great source for caviar and caviar accompaniments.