I’ve Tried Just About Every Gourmet Olive Oil You Can Buy — This Is My Favorite for Fancy Occasions

Some people buy too many shoes. For others, it’s beauty products or Lego sets. What’s my shopping weakness? Extra-virgin olive oil. After working in Italian eateries where I’ve had access to so many kinds of amazing extra-virgin olive oils, I know my stuff. I’ve written about everything from the go-to variety that I buy in bulk to the Calabrian chili oil I use to add a kick to dishes, and just last week I confessed my newfound love for the garlic-infused oil that I lean on for quick boosts of flavor. Yes, I have an oil for every occasion, and I’m always looking for excuses to add more varieties to my pantry. So when I spied Fat Gold’s adorably chic tinned olive oil online, I had to order it. The verdict: It’s now my “special occasions” extra-virgin olive oil and the most treasured item in my pantry.

When I first received my tin of Fat Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the mail, I poured a nice glug into a ramekin, whipped out a loaf of bread, and put it to the taste test. It was immediately bold, packing a rich, peppery flavor. The olive oil enthusiast in me was excited to see the harvest date (November 2021) on the label. It felt special to know when and where my exact tin was born. There was also information about the types of olives harvested and pressed for the oil (frantoio and leccino, to be exact). And I could detect the subtle taste of those olives coming through, a sign of a truly high-quality product. I knew that all this oil needed to shine was a simple vehicle for consumption.

Like what, you ask? One of my favorite ways to indulge is to drizzle the oil over slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato with a pinch of flakey sea salt, taking my simple Caprese salads to the next level. (It’s so flavorful on its own that I don’t even need the balsamic!) When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll dress it up with lemon, salt, and pepper and toss it onto a salad. For friends or private catering clients, I like to finish a plate with a drizzle over top for pizzazz — after all, the eyes eat first, and Fat Gold looks as luscious and rich as it tastes.

Fat Gold sells its extra-virgin olive oil directly to customers in a year-long subscription that tends to sell out, but at select retailers like Made In (in their underrated pantry section), you can snag a tin at a time like I did. (They’re also selling it in a bundle with the Made In serving plate I’ve been eyeing, so looks like I’ll be replenishing my dwindling supply ASAP.) Do yourself a favor and snag your own tin — you’ll thank me next time you treat yourself (and your lucky dinner guests) to a generous helping of sourdough swooshed through a puddle of Fat Gold.

Buy: Fat Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $40