OYESTER Maritime Vodka
The idea behind OYESTER was to make a vodka with a genuine maritime character—something with a recognisable nose and taste, rather than a spirit designed to disappear. OYESTER44 is a smooth wheat vodka with delicate salinity, fresh citrus and a clean, velvety finish. It is made with oyster distillate, samphire and filtered seawater, layered with organic lemon, lemongrass, Timut pepper and locally grown Cascade hops.
The result is fresh, lightly salty and citrus-led, with a gentle aromatic spice and exceptional smoothness. The maritime character is present, but never overpowering. It adds depth without turning the vodka into a novelty. OYESTER works naturally with seafood, from oysters and caviar to lobster, mussels and grilled fish. It also brings freshness and structure to a Martini, a Vodka Tonic or any cocktail that benefits from a little more character.
It is a vodka made to be noticed—but easy to drink.
The Founder
In 2017, OYESTER was founded and crafted by passionate foodie Chris Liebau. He couldn’t discover a spirit that was in line with his passion for the sea, seafood and the maritime lifestyle, so he decided to make his own. Sometimes, things are that easy.
Being determined to create drinks that stand out in both quality and taste, Chris’ preference to do things differently became clear very soon. The beautiful surroundings and the unique character of the Dutch coast motivated him to raise awareness for the nautical life in the best way he considered possible: by producing all natural drinks that will lighten up your day.
Origin
OYESTER was born from a lifelong love of the coast. Since childhood, founder Chris Liebau has been drawn to the smell of the ocean and the simple pleasure of eating something fresh with family and friends. Chris always enjoyed the particular vibe of fishing ports—the boats, the old buildings and the smell of freshly caught fish. Being a passionate foodie that loves to cook, especially with local seafood, and spending time along the shore, looking for what the tide and the season have left behind.
The fishing village of Yerseke has always been part of that story. It was where Chris and his family went when mussel season began, and where he learned to appreciate
seafood in all its forms. As a child, he played around the oyster farms. Years later, that same place would become part of the vodka itself.
In 2017, Chris decided to capture this connection to the coast in a bottle. He also wanted a spirit that could sit naturally alongside his favorite seafood. He couldn’t find one, so he made it himself, convinced that the best drinks begin with an authentic and credible reason for existing. For him, that reason was simple: he wanted to bring
together the things he loved most—the sea, seafood, cooking, good company and a spirit with some actual character.
Made in the Netherlands, OYESTER is a maritime vodka with a clear sense of place. It is distinctive without being loud, carefully made without taking itself too seriously,
and designed to be genuinely good—not simply good-looking. The idea was also shaped by his inspirator Anthony Bourdain. Not because Chris wanted to imitate him, but because Bourdain understood that food is never only about what is on the plate. It is about place, people, curiosity and the stories behind what we eat and drink.
That way of looking at the world stayed with Chris. OYESTER is rooted in the Dutch coast, but it is made for anyone who appreciates a well-made drink, a generous table and a story that starts with something real.