Hood Canal

Hood Canal · Pacific Coast, USA · Crassostrea gigas

Lower brine than you'd expect from a Pacific Northwest oyster — the fjord geography and Olympic Mountain runoff pull the salinity down to levels that open.

Salinity4/5

Sweetness4/5

Minerality2/5

Umami2/5

Textureplump

Finishsweet

Shellmedium, deep-cupped

The moderate brine and sweet melon character of Hood Canal handles citrus without being overwhelmed. Standard Pacific practice: a small squeeze brightens the me

Pair with

Oregon or Alsatian Pinot GrisBlanc de Blancs Champagne or Pacific Northwest SparklingDry Sake (Junmai)

Details

Cultivationsuspended-trayAppearancemedium · deep-cupped

If you like this, try

Bauneg BegYork County coastal waterwaysThe brine is there but it doesn't lead — sweetness shows up almost simultaneously, which is unusual for a Maine Eastern.Fanny BayFanny Bay and Baynes SoundModerate to full brine, cold and direct.