Imperial caviar (Acipenser schrenckii × Huso dauricus) comes from the cross between two emblematic species from the Amur River basin: the Amur sturgeon and the Kaluga.

Its medium to large eggs, measuring approximately 3.0 to 3.2 mm, are distinguished by a magnificent brown-green hue, a unique visual signature that differentiates it from its two parent species.

On the palate, Imperial harmoniously combines the qualities of its two parents. It blends the slightly earthy notes and subtle salinity of Amur with the buttery richness and delicately nutty depth of Kaluga, complemented by subtle oceanic notes.

It holds an intermediate position in the family of Amur River caviars, both in terms of aromatic profile and price. Richer and more complex than Amur, but less intense and prestigious than Kaluga, Imperial offers an excellent way to discover the characteristics of Kaluga at a more accessible price.

What does it mean for Imperial to be a hybrid?

Imperial caviar is obtained by crossing two distinct species of sturgeon from the same river basin: Acipenser schrenckii, the Amur sturgeon, and Huso dauricus, the Kaluga.

This cross allows certain characteristics of both species to be combined: the buttery richness and generous egg size of Kaluga, as well as the slightly earthy character and finesse of Amur.

Even its color is particular: its distinctive brown-green hue does not match that of its two parent species and is one of the signatures of this hybrid.

What is the difference between Imperial, Amur, and Kaluga?

They can be considered a natural progression within the Amur River family.

Amur is the lightest and most delicate: fresh, slightly saline, and subtly earthy.

Imperial builds on this base and adds the buttery richness of Kaluga as well as more generous eggs, creating a richer, rounder, and more complex profile.

Kaluga represents the pinnacle of this family, with the deepest, richest, and most prestigious profile of the three.

Imperial thus sits perfectly between the two: a premium aromatic quality, beautiful large pearls, and a more accessible price, with a unique color that distinguishes it from our entire range.