Basic Profile

Origin
Maquoit and Mere Point bays, Brunswick, Maine, USA
Species
Crassostrea virginica (Eastern oyster)
Classification
Farmed; single-producer brand
Farming Method
Off-bottom culture, sunk to the bottom for winter; tumbled in a solar-powered tumbler
Producer
Mere Point Oyster Company (Doug Niven and Dan Devereaux)
Visual Signature
About 2.5 in; selects about 3 in

Doug Niven and Dan Devereaux formed Mere Point Oyster Company in Brunswick in 2015, after Niven tried a few bags of oysters off his dock and saw how fast they grew. It is a family business that employs both men's sons.1

Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica), the species grown at Mere Point
Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica), the species grown here. Photo: James St. John / Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

How They Are Grown

Seed arrives at about 2 mm and reaches about an inch by November, overwinters on the bottom and grows for another year. The farm tumbles its oysters in a solar-powered tumbler to break off the thin new shell edge, which pushes the oyster to deepen its cup and fill out its meat. Standard oysters are about 2.5 inches and selects about 3.2 For the mechanics, see how farms shape an oyster.

Flavor Breakdown

In the grower's words
"Crisp, firm meat" with "pronounced salinity".2
Finish
Bright, the farm says, then an earthy, savory note at the very end.2

What Makes Mere Point Unique

Mere Point started with a neighbor asking to grow oysters off a dock, and it is still two families working one farm.1 The solar-powered tumbler is their signature: it shapes each oyster into a deep, even cup, which is easier to get a knife into at home than a wild-shaped shell.

A tidy, deep-cupped Casco Bay oyster that finishes earthier than its salty start suggests. A good home-shucking pick.

Should You Add Lemon?

Cautiously

The earthy finish is worth tasting plain first.

Pairing Guide

1
Muscadet sur lie

Salt meets salt.

2
Albariño

Bright enough for the finish the farm describes.

OptimalPlain
AcceptableMignonette
AvoidCocktail sauce

Who Is This For?

Will love it
  • Home shuckers
  • Fans of salty oysters with a savory end
Sources
  1. Mere Point Oyster Company. "About Us." merepointoyster.com
  2. Mere Point Oyster Company. "Our Oysters." merepointoyster.com
Tasting notes & flavor profile in the Oysterminds app →