Ebenecook
Crassostrea virginica
Expertly farmed Maine oyster known for pristine flavor and deep cups. Briny and fresh with clean salinity, grown slowly by dedicated aquaculturalists in cold Maine waters.
Flavor Profile
Finish
Clean, salty, lingering brine
Expert Notes
Ebenecook oysters represent the pinnacle of Maine aquaculture, grown slowly and sustainably with meticulous care. These oysters showcase the pristine cold waters of Maine with a pronounced briny character that reflects higher salinity retention typical of northern waters. The deep cups hold generous meat with a clean, fresh flavor that captures the essence of the Atlantic, particularly when harvested during the colder months when they develop their richest, most mineral-forward profile. Origin & Characteristics
- Species
- Crassostrea virginica
- Native to
- USA
- Grown in
- Maine
- Size
- Medium (2-4 inches)
- Shell Color
- Gray-white
- Meat Color
- Cream to light gray
What Experts Say
Across 8 sources, tasters describe this oyster as:
Unique notes: high salinity, sea-kissed, hand-tumbled
"Hand-tumbled oysters grown near Boothbay Harbor, with very little freshwater influence."
oceanicbriny
"The waters of West Boothbay Harbor have very little freshwater influence, so both the water and the oysters have a high salinity and a briny quality."
brinysaltyhigh salinity
"Our oysters are known for their pristine flavor and deep cups"
pristinecleanfresh
"Fresh oysters including Ebenecook served in the half shell with just a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of mignonette. The tang of brine delivers you back to the ocean in one mouthful."
brinyoceanicfresh
About the Farm
Ebenecook Oyster Farm
Founded by Carlton Yentsch, whose roots stem from dedicated aquaculture practices. The farm is located near Boothbay Harbor on the Sheepscot River in West Boothbay Harbor, Maine, in waters with very little freshwater influence.
- Cultivation Method
- semi-tumbled
History & Background
Ebenecook oysters are grown in Ebenecook Harbor near West Boothbay Harbor, Maine. The name derives from the local harbor where they are cultivated.
Featured in Dogfish Head's Choc Lobster beer, a dry porter brewed with basil, dark cocoa and lobsters from the same farm. The oysters are served at prestigious oyster bars including Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland and Mine Oyster in Boothbay Harbor.
Did You Know?
- Used in Dogfish Head's GABF medal-winning Choc Lobster beer
- The farm is owned and operated by friends of Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Founder, who spent summers growing up on the Sheepscot River
- Hand-picked and harvested by a small crew of dedicated aquaculturalists
Sources & References
This information was compiled from 8 sources.
- Ebenecook Oyster — OysteRater
- Oyster New Cult - Portland Magazine Summer Guide 2017 — Portland Magazine
- Ebenecook Oyster Farm — Ebenecook Oyster Farm
- About Us - Ebenecook Oyster Farm — Ebenecook Oyster Farm
- GABF medal-winner Choc Lobster hitting taps in Maine — Dogfish Head
- The Next-Generation Oyster Bar — Epicurious
- Oyster lovers' event at Mine Oyster ... where else? — Boothbay Register
- Mine Oyster Event 2014 - On The Move Oyster Dinner — Oyster Guide
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Learn More
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