I was lucky today to taste 4 well-known brands of Siberian Sturgeon caviar (latin name of species Acipenser Baerii).
Three caviar lovers and one caviar virgin were tasting famous caviar brands Petrossian (France). Prunier (France), Kaviari (France) and Carelian Caviar (Finland).
Carelian Caviar is Finnish producer breeding fish in Recycling Aquaculture System (RAS) meaning fish lives in tanks inside the building. My impression? Don't waste money if you are told the fish lived in RAS. There are few exceptions but RAS usually means the water can't be fully cleaned and caviar will have bitter taste and fishy smell.
Petrossian is a famous French brand repacking caviar. The producer is Chinese fish farm. I'm sure reputation of the brand was built on good caviar but the morning sun never lasts a day. The roes seem like made of rubber. Good caviar should pope but this one should be chewed(?) You will be fascinated by tin but upset by taste.
Prunier's tins are designed by Yves Saint Laurent. They look rich and magnificent. Caviar (produced in Germany) inside is better than previous two but still smells fish liver oil and leaves strange aftertaste.
And the Oscar goes to ... Kaviari. French brand, French caviar. No fishy smell after opening of tin, roes pope as it should. not too much salt. Just be sure it will be served on ice as it will not allow to open fishy aftertaste with shade of pond.
Now you know what to do if you have special date or want to surprise somebody with an extra special gift.
Please be sure I'm not trying to advertise. All caviars were bought in finefood stores. Make your own tasting to be sure.
All photos are taken today with my two left arms and IPhone.
Please upvote if you want to learn how to find when and where caviar was produced.