The Tasting Notes: Baerii is the caviar world's best starting point: delicate, buttery and lightly briny, from a sturgeon that matures faster and farms more sustainably than most. It's proof that affordable caviar and proper caviar aren't different things.
Baerii doesn't get the same instant recognition as Beluga or Oscietra, and that's part of what makes it worth knowing about.
At London Caviar Company, it's the variety we point newcomers towards more than any other. It comes from the Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii), a species that matures faster and farms more sustainably than most, which is a big part of why it's priced the way it is.
Here's what makes it distinct, how to serve it properly, and a few ways to use it beyond the obvious.
What makes Baerii different?
Baerii comes from Siberian sturgeon, a species known for adapting well to farmed conditions and maturing faster than most other sturgeon used for caviar. That's part of why it's one of the more sustainably farmed varieties available, and one of the major reasons it costs less than Beluga or Oscietra without being a lesser product.
The roe itself is medium-sized, with colours running from dark grey to slate black. The texture is smooth and silky, and the flavour is genuinely delicate. Expect subtle brininess with a clean, buttery finish. Where Beluga tends to be bold and intense, Baerii offers a softer, more approachable way into caviar.
Why is it a good starting point?
Three things make Baerii the natural entry point:
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It's genuinely affordable without cutting corners on quality
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It's farmed under controlled, sustainable conditions, so choosing it isn't a compromise on ethics either
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Ots subtle flavour is versatile enough to work across a wide range of dishes and occasions, rather than demanding a special one
If you're weighing it up against the other three varieties in the range, our beginner's guide to buying caviar covers how Baerii compares to Oscietra, Royal Imperial and Beluga in more depth.
What should I look for when buying?
A few basics apply, whichever tin you choose:
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Look for a supplier who can show genuine sustainability credentials
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Check that it's been kept properly refrigerated and vacuum-sealed in transit
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Don't be put off by natural colour variation between tins. That's a feature of the sturgeon, not a quality issue.
Baerii itself comes in a range of sizes, from 30g tins for a first taste up to 125g and beyond for larger gatherings, so it's worth matching the size to the occasion rather than defaulting to the biggest tin available.
How should I serve it?
Use a mother of pearl, bone or glass spoon. Metal is a no-go as it reacts with the roe and leaves a faint metallic taste. Serve it chilled, never frozen, with the tin sitting in a bowl of crushed ice.
As covered in our guide to serving caviar, keep the classic pairings simple: blinis with crème fraîche, lightly buttered toast points, or soft-boiled quail eggs as a base. A little chopped chive, shallot or lemon zest adds a nice finishing touch without overpowering the caviar itself.
What should I drink with it?
Champagne, particularly a Brut or Extra Brut, is the classic pairing. A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Chablis works well too, and chilled vodka is the traditional route if you'd rather skip wine altogether.
How can I use it beyond the classic serve?
Baerii works well beyond the traditional blini. Fold a teaspoon through scrambled eggs just before serving, spoon it over avocado toast for a simple but genuinely luxurious twist, or use it to top cucumber rounds for something lighter. It also works as a finishing touch on sushi, where its delicate flavour doesn't compete with the other ingredients.
How do I store it?
Keep an unopened tin in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally between 0 and 4°C. Once it's open, press a little plastic wrap gently against the surface to limit air exposure, and aim to finish it within 48 hours for the best texture and flavour. Never freeze it, since freezing breaks down the pearls and ruins the texture that makes caviar worth having in the first place.
You can read more in How to Store Caviar: Keep Every Tin Fresh.
Make Baerii your way into caviar
Baerii proves that accessible caviar doesn't mean a lesser experience. Sustainable, approachable and truly good value, it's an easy variety to make a regular habit rather than an occasional treat.
You can buy Baerii caviar directly if you're ready to try it, or compare it against the other caviar varieties first if you'd like to see how it sits alongside Oscietra, Royal Imperial and Beluga.
London Caviar Company is based in London and has been making sustainably sourced caviar properly accessible since 2021. Every tin carries Friend of the Sea certification, and the brand holds a 4-star Trustpilot rating across 195+ reviews.
Got a question about serving sizes or what to pair it with? Get in touch and the team will be happy to help.