Little Wicomico Oyster Company, run by the fourth generation of the Cockrell family, raises Blackberry oysters near Smith Point on Virginia's Northern Neck.
USA · Crassostrea virginica · lemon yes · 15–22 ppt · 4–25 °C · best October to April
Basic Profile
Origin
Little Wicomico River, Heathsville, Northern Neck of Virginia, USA
Species
Crassostrea virginica (Eastern Oyster)
Classification
Farmed; single producer, sold as Blackberry
Farming Method
Hand-reared from nursery seed in the river
Producer
Little Wicomico Oyster Company (Myles Cockrell)
Visual Signature
Eastern oyster shell
The Cockrell family business on the Little Wicomico River was established in 1930, and Myles Cockrell, the fourth generation, owns and operates it today. The company hand-rears Eastern oysters in the river and sells them as Blackberry and Blackberry Reserve.1
Smith Point Light in Chesapeake Bay, off the mouth of the Little Wicomico River, Virginia. Photo: GrandmaR / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where It Is
The Little Wicomico is a short river at the tip of Virginia's Northern Neck, in the part of the bay the state's seafood board calls the Middle Bay Western Shore. The farm is at Heathsville, with an oyster nursery at nearby Ophelia, and offers tours led by Dr. Lynton Land.1
Flavor Breakdown
The farm's words
The company describes a briny, full-bodied flavor, and gives the regional signature as a "salted-butter flavor and a slight, mineral finish".1
Our notes
We have not tasted this one yet, so this page carries no scores. Until we have, the company's description is the one to go by.
What Makes Little Wicomico Unique
One family on one small river since 1930, selling under a name that has nothing to do with oysters and is easy to remember for that reason.1
A sweet, buttery mid-bay oyster. Order it by the name Blackberry, which is how it appears on menus.
Should You Add Lemon?
Yes
A squeeze suits a full-bodied Chesapeake oyster. Taste one plain first.
Pairing Guide
1
Virginia Chardonnay, unoaked
Local, and round enough.
2
Albariño
More salt and acid than the oyster has itself.
Optimal
Lemon
Acceptable
Mignonette
Avoid
Heavy cocktail sauce
Who Is This For?
Will love it
People who like buttery oysters
Visitors to the Northern Neck
Should skip it
Brine hunters
Sources
Little Wicomico Oyster Company. "Our Farm & Family." lwoysters.com
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