wagyu

taste the best beef from rare & award-winning farms around the world

GIFT SETS

Like wine, each brand/region of Wagyu will be distinct from the others. Enjoy our finest curations in one sitting, or store the steaks in the freezer to eat over time. Wagyu, roe, & caviar sets are easy to make - cooking instructions included.

-

-

-

-

A5 JAPANESE WAGYU

Our top shelf and highest-marbling beef is famed for its luxurious melt-in-your-mouth texture. Sourced from small, rare, and award-winning brands across Japan. Higher BMS scores are fattier in texture.

LEARN MORE

WHAT IS A5?
A5 is a Japanese grading term for the highest yield and meat quality grades.

THE PAPA WAGYU DIFFERENCE
Beef marble score (BMS) measures the amount of intramuscular fat (marbling). A5 ranges from BMS 8 to 12. BMS 8 is similar to fatty tuna, and BMS 12 is similar to extra-fatty tuna. We specialize in sourcing the highest BMS 12, which accounts for less than 5% of A5 Japanese wagyu.

GENETICS
By law, wagyu in Japan are Fullblood (100% wagyu genetics) with no cross-breeding. Fullblood wagyu has a low melting point of ~ 78°, resulting in the famous melt-in-your-mouth experience.

300+ WAGYU BRANDS
Like wine, each brand/region of wagyu will be distinct from the others. Farms will differ in genetics, animal husbandry, environment, and diet. Learn the differences by tasting different Japanese brands as a wagyu flight.

-

-

AUSTRALIAN CROSSED WAGYU

Higher BMS scores are fattier, and lower BMS scores are more balanced in steak texture. Generally, Australian wagyu is popular for its deeper beef flavor profiles and exceptional marbling.

LEARN MORE

FULLBLOOD VS CROSSED WAGYU
Wagyu translates to "Japanese Cow." Most Wagyu we consume is from the Japanese Black (Kuroge Washu) breed. By law, wagyu in Japan are Fullblood (100% wagyu genetics) with no cross-breeding.

Fullblood Wagyu are genetically unique to have the highest intramuscular fat (marbling) and have a low melting point of ~ 78°F, resulting in the famous melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Japan used to export live Fullblood Wagyu to the world. In 1997, though, Japan declared the Wagyu breed a living national treasure and banned exports. Today, there is a small amount of Fullblood Wagyu outside of Japan.

CROSSED WAGYU GENETICS
- higher F numbers = more wagyu DNA
- most are F1 and F4 are the rarest
Farmers achieve genetic variations by crossing Wagyu with Angus. Higher percentages of Wagyu genetics lead to higher F numbers and more Wagyu characteristics in the beef. Most Wagyu in the U.S. & Australia are F1 Crosses (50% wagyu).

WAGYU DIET INFLUENCES BEEF FLAVOR
- Grain Diet: mild beef flavor
- Grain & Grass Diet: medium beefiness
- Grass Diet: strong beef flavor
Many Australian Wagyu farms allow their cattle to graze on grass, creating a deeper beef flavor profile similar to dry-aged meats. Most American Wagyu farms follow Japanese-style grain feeding, producing a milder flavor profile.

MARBLING & TEXTURES
Crossing wagyu is a hard science, and there's a wide variance in quality from different farms. Marble scores range from USDA choice to slightly leaner than A5. We scour the world to find the best quality of wagyu in each category.

Generally, Australian Wagyu programs typically marble out better than American Wagyu, but some exceptions exist. Beef marble scores (BMS) measure the amount of intramuscular fat. Higher BMS scores are fattier, and lower BMS scores are more balanced in steak texture. The highest BMS scores will be slightly leaner than the melt-in-your-mouth A5 Japanese Wagyu.

WAGYU BRANDS
Like wine, each brand/region of Wagyu will be distinct from the others. Farms will differ in genetics, animal husbandry, environment, and diet. Learn the differences by tasting wagyu from different farms across the world.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

AMERICAN CROSSED WAGYU

Higher BMS scores are fattier, and lower BMS scores are more balanced in steak texture. Generally, F1 American wagyu is popular for its lighter beef flavor profiles and wide range of marbling.

LEARN MORE

FULLBLOOD VS CROSSED WAGYU
Wagyu translates to "Japanese Cow." Most Wagyu we consume is from the Japanese Black (Kuroge Washu) breed. By law, wagyu in Japan are Fullblood (100% wagyu genetics) with no cross-breeding.

Fullblood Wagyu are genetically unique to have the highest intramuscular fat (marbling) and have a low melting point of ~ 78°F, resulting in the famous melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Japan used to export live Fullblood Wagyu to the world. In 1997, though, Japan declared the Wagyu breed a living national treasure and banned exports. Today, there is a small amount of Fullblood Wagyu outside of Japan.

CROSSED WAGYU GENETICS
- higher F numbers = more wagyu DNA
- most are F1 and F4 are the rarest
Farmers achieve genetic variations by crossing Wagyu with Angus. Higher percentages of Wagyu genetics lead to higher F numbers and more Wagyu characteristics in the beef. Most Wagyu in the U.S. & Australia are F1 Crosses (50% wagyu).

WAGYU DIET INFLUENCES BEEF FLAVOR
- Grain Diet: mild beef flavor
- Grain & Grass Diet: medium beefiness
- Grass Diet: strong beef flavor
Many Australian Wagyu farms allow their cattle to graze on grass, creating a deeper beef flavor profile similar to dry-aged meats. Most American Wagyu farms follow Japanese-style grain feeding, producing a milder flavor profile.

MARBLING & TEXTURES
Crossing wagyu is a hard science, and there's a wide variance in quality from different farms. Marble scores range from USDA choice to slightly leaner than A5. We scour the world to find the best quality of wagyu in each category.

Generally, Australian Wagyu programs typically marble out better than American Wagyu, but some exceptions exist. Beef marble scores (BMS) measure the amount of intramuscular fat. Higher BMS scores are fattier, and lower BMS scores are more balanced in steak texture. The highest BMS scores will be slightly leaner than the melt-in-your-mouth A5 Japanese Wagyu.

WAGYU BRANDS
Like wine, each brand/region of Wagyu will be distinct from the others. Farms will differ in genetics, animal husbandry, environment, and diet. Learn the differences by tasting wagyu from different farms across the world.

-

-

-

caviar & roes

add a caviar tasting to your next celebration

AMERICAN STURGEON CAVIAR

Sustainable & delicious American White Sturgeon Caviar by Tsar Nicoulai. Trusted by Michelin chefs and fine restaurants.

CAVIAR SELECTOR

AMERICAN WHITE STURGEON

From our farm to your door, we provide the caviar enthusiast with direct access to the best custom-crafted caviar. By managing our brood stock and spawning, we control our fish lineage and maintain unique grades of caviar - Classic, Estate, Select, Reserve, Golden Reserve, and Crown Jewel.

Our journey started in 1984 when UC Davis researchers identified our local California White Sturgeon as a unique species capable of naturally producing caviar with variations in color, flavor, and texture. Our farm is about 10 miles away from the waters our native White Sturgeon species inhabit. By simulating those neighboring rivers for the sturgeon, we emulate Mother Nature's works and harvest some of the highest yields and best quality of caviar.

Classic Caviar
• entry level caviar with a briny, yet delicate finish.
• good as a garnish for sushi

Estate Caviar
• rich, clean, and earthy flavor
• award winning caviar at an amazing price.

Select Caviar
• middle grade caviar with a smooth finish and gentle pop.

Reserve Caviar
• premium caviar produced in limited quantities
• nutty and light flavor prized by chefs

Golden Reserve Caviar
• same caviar as Reserve, but with a highly-sought out golden color.

Crown Jewel
• Tsar's rarest top-shelf caviar
• buttery/creamy flavor with a rich and clean fi

-

-

-

-

-

-

GLOBAL STURGEON CAVIAR

Other species of fine sturgeon caviar. Certified sustainably produced by Tsar Nicoulai's partners around the world.

CAVIAR SELECTOR

RUSSIAN STURGEON

Acipenser Gueldenstaedtii is commonly know as Russian Sturgeon or Osetra. The most prestigious and traditional caviar originates from the Caspian Sea.

Osetra Caviar
• clean, rich, and nutty flavor with a slightly briny finish. one of our favorites.

Golden Osetra Caviar
• same caviar as Osetra, but with a highly-sought out golden color.

BAERII STURGEON

Acipenser Baerii is a river sturgeon, found in Siberia. Inhabits deep parts of large rivers, with moderate to swift current. Acipenser Baerii can live up to sixty years and usually weighs less than 65 kgs.

Baerii Caviar
• exceptional entry level caviar with a unique sweet brine finish
• best on it's own or as a topping on other seafood, sushi, etc.

BELUGA STURGEON

Beluga caviar is typically the most expensive and premium caviar found primarily in the Caspian Sea. Beluga caviar comes from the Beluga Sturgeon, known as Huso Huso.

Beluga Hybrid Caviar
• Beluga x Acipenser Steallatus hybrid caviar with mild and buttery brine flavor.
• top-shelf caviar for enthusiasts.

-

-

-

SALMON & TROUT ROES

Sourced from the finest purveyors around the world. Delicious and filled with nutrients for sushi, blinis, and endless dishes.

ROE SELECTOR

SALMON ROE

All fish eggs are technically roe, but not all roe is caviar. Caviar only applies to fish roe from sturgeons. Salmon roe is the eggs from salmon and offers a delicious pop in your mouth.

This delicacy is best with sushi, in a blini, flatbread, biscuit, and many other ways.

Marinated Salmon Roe
• the delicious ikura you find in high end sushi restaurants - best served with sushi rice to balance out the soy sauce marinade.

Salmon Roe
• best for the flavor purists or if you need to balance out a dish.

Smoked Salmon Roe
• add a BBQ-flavored roe to elevate your savory recipes like baked potatoes, dips, and more.

TROUT ROE

All fish eggs are technically roe, but not all roe is caviar. Caviar only applies to fish roe from sturgeons.

Trout roe is the eggs from trout and one of our favorite roes. They're smaller than salmon roe, have a unique silky pop texture, and slightly sweet flavor.

Trout Roe
• fiery orange roe with a bright, silky pop and subtle, sweet flavor.
• delicious on sushi, crackers, eggs, seafood, blini, potatoes, layered dips, and fish ceviche.

Smoked Trout Roe
• excellent choice if you enjoy a hint of smoky flavor in your dishes.

-

-

-

-

-

GIFT SETS

Like wine, each brand/region of Wagyu will be distinct from the others. Enjoy our finest curations in one sitting, or store the steaks in the freezer to eat over time. Wagyu, roe, & caviar sets are easy to make - cooking instructions included.

-

-

-

-

-