Whaleback Cocktail
Crassostrea virginica
Small Maine cocktail oyster from John's River Estuary. Bottom-grown and cage-floated with crisp Atlantic brininess, buttery texture, and a clean sweet finish with mineral notes.
Flavor Profile
Finish
Clean, crisp, sweet with mineral notes
Expert Notes
Whaleback Cocktails are named after the historic Whaleback Shell Midden on the Damariscotta River, where Native Americans harvested oysters over 1,000 years. These small, bottom-grown oysters are floated in cages near the surface, developing a characteristic Atlantic brininess with a crisp, clean flavor profile. The buttery texture and sweet finish make them excellent cocktail oysters, showcasing the pristine cold waters of Maine's estuaries. Origin & Characteristics
- Species
- Crassostrea virginica
- Native to
- USA
- Grown in
- John's River Estuary, South Bristol, Maine, Damariscotta River, Maine
- Size
- Small (Less than 3 inches)
- Shell Color
- White and brown with hints of green
- Meat Color
- Light gray to cream
What Experts Say
Across 3 sources, tasters describe this oyster as:
Unique notes: kiss of brine, velvety firm, clean ocean finish
"Small oysters grown by Dave Cheney in floating surface equipment in Blackstone Narrows, a constriction in the Damariscotta River–Maine's most revered oyster region–where the current howls through and the temps are warm, making for fast-growing, well-stuffed little oysters."
fast-growingwell-stuffed
"They are slow-grown, which gives these bi-valves a strong shell and velvety firm, plump meats. They have a kiss of brine at the start, followed by a creamy middle and a clean ocean finish, without any after-taste. There is a distinct sweetness to them."
brinycreamycleansweetplump
About the Farm
Dave Cheney
Dave Cheney grows these oysters in South Bristol, ME, specifically in the upper Northern branch of John's River Estuary at the mouth of the Damariscotta River, using floating surface equipment in Blackstone Narrows where strong currents and warm temps promote fast growth.
- Cultivation Method
- suspended culture
History & Background
Named for the nearby Whaleback shell midden, a testament to the fact that Native Americans were enjoying the local oysters in this region centuries ago.
Grown in Maine's most revered oyster region, the Damariscotta River, known for producing exceptional oysters for centuries.
Did You Know?
- Named after a shell midden that shows Native Americans harvested oysters in this location centuries ago
- Grown in Blackstone Narrows where strong currents howl through creating ideal growing conditions
Sources & References
This information was compiled from 3 sources.
- Whaleback Cocktails Oyster — Oysterater
- John's River Oysters — Harbor Fish Market
- Explore the Maine Oyster Trail, eat fresh Maine oysters! — Untamed Mainer
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Learn More
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