Basic Profile

Origin
Weskeag River estuary, South Thomaston, Maine, USA
Species
Crassostrea virginica (Eastern oyster)
Classification
Farmed; single-producer brand
Farming Method
Bottom-grown ('Submarines') and floating bags ('Snow Points'); upweller since 2013
Producer
Weskeag Oyster Company
Visual Signature
Eastern oyster shell

Weskeag Oyster Company was established in 2000 and farms more than seven acres of the Weskeag River estuary in South Thomaston, near Rockland. It stayed small until an upweller was built in 2013.1

Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica), the species grown at Weskeag
Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica), the species grown here. Photo: BrianGwiz / Inaturalist (CC BY 4.0)

Two Oysters, One Estuary

The farm sells two lines. Bottom-grown oysters are called Submarines, in honor of engineer George Kittredge's submarine work; floating-bag oysters are Snow Points, after the spit where the upweller sits.1 The river runs with the tide through a large salt marsh, which the farm credits with a rich supply of nutrients.1

Flavor Breakdown

In the grower's words
A "full buttery taste".1
Finish
"A perfect briny yet sweet finish," the farm says,1 which suits water that is part marsh, part sea.

What Makes Weskeag Unique

Weskeag lets you choose the gear: the same seven acres of salt-marsh estuary yield bottom-grown Submarines and floating-bag Snow Points.1 Order one of each and you get a lesson in farming method from a single river mouth near Rockland.

A salt-marsh oyster from near Rockland, sold two ways. Get the Submarines for heft and the Snow Points for a neater shell.

Should You Add Lemon?

Cautiously

The buttery middle is worth tasting plain.

Pairing Guide

1
Albariño

Bright acid for a buttery oyster.

2
Maine lager

Easy and local.

OptimalPlain
AcceptableMignonette
AvoidCocktail sauce

Who Is This For?

Will love it
  • Midcoast Maine visitors
  • Anyone who wants to compare bottom and floating gear
Sources
  1. Weskeag Oyster Company. "About Us." weskeagoystercompany.com
Tasting notes & flavor profile in the Oysterminds app →