Food Pairings: Oysters

Oysters are delicate in its nature. Not everyone is a fan of the taste or texture of them, and each species has its own characteristic. There are five main types of oysters:

1. Pacific – sweeter, less briny than other types of oysters.
2. Atlantic – clean, crisp, briny like the ocean.
3. Kumamoto – buttery, creamy, nutty, with a refreshing finish that can taste like melon.
4. Olympia – creamy but with a finish that is more metallic than fruit-like.
5. European Flat – Meaty, strong minerality, and a finish described as gamey.

While the first three types of oysters are the most common to find at most restaurants or raw bars, it is good to know which oyster has to offer in terms of flavor and finish. I’m more likely to order Atlantic oysters since they taste more like the ocean.

However, for all intents and purposes, let’s keep things simple and list three fool-proof beverage pairings that go with oysters every time.

1. White Wine – Most white wines will pair awesomely with oysters. My top picks include Muscadet, Chablis, and of course, Champagne- mainly because these wines are so dry, crisp and refreshing that they add to the flavor of the oyster accompanied, or unaccompanied by vinegar, lemon, and/or tabasco. Other honorable mentions include Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, but be aware that a buttery Chardonnay from California may be a little too intense for the delicate flavor of the oyster.
2. Beer – Nothing pairs with oysters better to me than a Coors Light. People would call me out of my mind, but I think the simple, light, yet carbonated texture of the beer is a perfect companion to oysters. However, any good lager or pilsner would match just as well. Another notable beer to mention is a Guiness. The bitterness of this black stout contrasts the taste of most oysters, especially the briny, saltier ones you’d find in the Atlantic.
3. Gin or Vodka – Especially as a dry martini! I prefer a good Bombay Sapphire martini with extra olives myself, but either gin or vodka will go very well with oysters. Can be made on the rocks with a little club soda as well, just avoid tonic water or anything sweet as a mixer- it will kill the taste when paired with any oyster.