The Best Olive Oil I've Ever Had Is Finally Back—but Hurry! Last Time, It Sold Out in 8 Days

For me, extra virgin olive oil is a pillar food group, right next to fruits and vegetables. It’s one of the most essential ingredients: After all, most of the meals I make at home wouldn’t be complete without it. And when it comes to olive oil, quality is key. 

The perfect extra virgin olive oil, for me, has to have a noticeably rich, fruity and punchy flavor. I also want it to be buttery at the same time. I want to taste the oil, whether I am making my roasted tomato sauce or glugging it over pizza and pasta. Aroma is important too, as I want to smell it as soon as I open the bottle. I’ve tried so many oils that don’t check these boxes, and it’s rare that one actually stops me in my tracks. But Brightland’s newest launch does. 

Brightland Castelvetrano Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Brightland, which is a specialty olive oil, vinegar, and honey brand, just released Castelvetrano Oil and it’s the perfect extra virgin olive oil. It has an incredible aroma and flavor—unsurprisingly so, because it's made from some of the most coveted olives on the market. Castelvetrano olives have been long-known as a crowd pleasing favorite for their more mild, extremely buttery texture and flavor. This oil ecompasses the olives, while still highlighting an impactful flavor profile. 

This isn’t the first time Brightland has released this oil. In fact, the brand originally launched this oil in April 2022, and it sold out in just eight days. I was so happy it was bringing it back, which is why I jumped at the chance to receive a sample for testing a few weeks ago. I’ve been using it everyday since for salad dressings, for dipping bread, for coating pasta, for finishing pizzas, and more. I tried it first on a spoon (this is how much I love olive oil) and could really taste the oils unique flavor notes. They’re described as rich, smooth, fruity and peppery, with specific notes of tomato leaves, artichokes, green almonds, and green banana leaves. I taste the fruity tomato leaves most, and find that it has a grassier note and finish. You get the taste of pepper but not the back of the throat tang. 

Because it’s both buttery and fruity, I find that it doesn’t lean too sharp or too mild, making it the perfect all-purpose extra-virgin olive oil to grab. It adds depth of flavor but does not overpower dressings and sauces I add it to, while also standing alone when it’s coated onto pasta for a simple meal. I haven’t been able to stop using it because of its versatility. 

I also love that the olive oil was cultivated on a small family farm in Sicily, Italy. All of the olives were from the October 2023 harvest, and were carefully processed to highlight the flavor and aromatic profile of the oil. This is around the Southwestern area of Sicily where Castaveltrano olives are commonly grown. For me the fact that they went right to the source  is key, because I really believe in terroir in food. Where something is grown directly impacts the taste and texture of whatever you’re producing, and this oil is the prime example. 

Based on the fact that this oil sold out so quickly last time, I wouldn’t wait too long to buy it. I’ll be stocking up on another bottle while I can still get my hands on it, since I know I’ll go through this bottle like water. Shop Castaveltrano on Brightland’s website now. 

Shop More Brightland Products: 

Alive Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Awake Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Arise Basil Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Gold Olive Oil Spout 

Ardor Chili Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

At the time of publishing, the price was $40.