Oyster Pairing Experiment

Dawg taking here;

This was a fun time especially since I do love Naked Oysters! The idea was to do a pairing with beer (since I also like a good beer now & then).

Between Hannifords & Whole Foods we came up with several different types/brands (how ever you wish to say it). Surprising is not all Hanifords carry the same ones! With several of shopping at different Hanifords, it was great to see no repeats.

Oysters: Since some came without names (folks not realizing it was important) the final was a Wildcard of sampling. Those we had names of:
Riptide, Wellfleet, Spiny Creek and Cotuit.

Of these, the Riptide came out on top by 1/2 point (rated 1-5 stars someone decided to throw in a 4.5..) Beating Wellfleet by that 1/2 point.
The Riptides were described as sweeter or salty. They were my over-all Fav!
The Wellfleet's were just a bit milder but still sweet!

Riptide's are grown in Buzzards Bay, Ma (farmed). riptide-oyster
Wellfleet is a wild harvest out of Wellfleet Harbor, Cape Cod, Ma (there's also a deep water and farmed, so really not certain which we had).  wellfleet-oyster-wild
Spinny Creek is farmed in Maine Spinny Creek
Cotuit Oysters are also farmed in Cape Cod, Ma cotuit oyster company

The balance were mild. There was just something about the other two that made them taste like you just picked the out of the water yourself.

Beer: Again several to run with, Garrison Brown Ale (much too heavy to all), Kona (hoppy, but not IPA style) worked well, as did the Rising Tide (also hoppy). The surprise was a craft beer I picked up in Nova Scotia and took top spot; Nine Locks Watermelon Blonde. Ya, watermelon.. You just have to try it if you get the chance!

Toppings were all great: The good old ketchup/horseradish, lemon, granita, and different garlic mixes (one hot the other mild).
Horseradish was used the most and mixed with the Garlic concoctions. The Granita was my fav!

Note to self, take better notes next time.

Being from the Boston region and being summer, I did wish to try the Sam Adam's Summer Ale. Just didn't get there.. Hey, something to look forward to on the next one!