What is Kaluga Caviar?

Kaluga caviar comes from the Kaluga sturgeon, Huso dauricus — a close relative of the Caspian Beluga found in the Amur River basin of China and Russia. It produces a caviar so similar in character to true Beluga that it has earned the name River Beluga. For anyone who wants to experience the Beluga flavour profile at a more accessible price point, Kaluga is the natural answer.

What Does Kaluga Caviar Taste Like?

Our Royal Kaluga shares the rich, creamy character of Beluga but with its own distinct identity. The pearls are large — graded at ≥3.3mm — with a warm golden-brown colour ranging from light amber to deep chocolate brown. The flavour is buttery and round, with a gentle nuttiness that develops on the palate. The texture is firm yet yielding — a clean burst that releases the flavour completely.

Kaluga Hybrid vs Pure Kaluga — What is the Difference?

Pure Kaluga (Huso dauricus) — our Royal Kaluga — comes from the pure species. It produces the largest grain, deepest golden colour, and most Beluga-like flavour profile.

Kaluga Hybrid (Acipenser schrenckii × Huso dauricus) — our Imperial Caviar — is a crossbreed between Amur sturgeon and Kaluga. The hybrid produces beautiful golden-brown pearls with a distinctly buttery flavour and no direct UK equivalent.

Kaluga vs Beluga — Is Kaluga Worth It?

The honest comparison: Royal Kaluga from £45.90 for 30g versus Royal Beluga from £74.40 for 30g. Beluga has a lighter, more ethereal quality; Kaluga has more body and depth. Our recommendation: try both. The Beluga Experience Gift Set (£200) includes both Royal Beluga and Royal Kaluga at 50g each, making a direct comparison easy.

How to Serve Kaluga Caviar

Serve chilled on crushed ice with a mother-of-pearl spoon. Kaluga’s rich flavour pairs particularly well with Blanc de Blancs champagne or sake. On our Caviar Blinis with crème fraîche it is exceptional.