Note: For a more current taste review on a tweaked ingredient list, open up Smokehouse Jerky Co. – Original Beef Jerky (Recipe #2).
The next review on Smokehouse Jerky Co. will focus on a 3 ounce/84 gram bag of their original flavored beef jerky. This jerky was kindly submitted for review by the owner, Trent Levinson, from Tender Heifer Snack Co.
This jerky is manufactured and distributed by Tender Heifer Snack Co., and based out of Beaumont, California. The Smokehouse Jerky Co. brand name was launched in 2008. All of their beef jerky is made using the brisket cut of beef. Many people believe that brisket is the best cut of beef to absorb a marinade. All of their jerky is made in small batches. Tender Heifer Snack Co. are always looking for new distributors across the United States, and offer private label services.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Brown Sugar, Water, Worcestershire Sauce (Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce Base (Distilled Vinegar, Molasses, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Caramel Color, Garlic Powder, Sugar, Spices, Tamarind, Natural Flavor, Sulfiting Agent), Salt, Citric Acid), Lemon Juice, Liquid Smoke (Water, Natural Hickory Smoke Concentrate), Fresh Garlic, Black Pepper. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
This brisket cut of beef used is from cattle raised in California. The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have at least partial free range access to graze on grass. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Good (8/10) rating.
The liquid marinade consists of a decent soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, water, lemon juice, and liquid hickory smoke. Lemon juice is an interesting choice, where lemons offer many health benefits. It is unfortunate to see that the Worcestershire sauce uses the highly processed sweetener high fructose corn syrup.
Super healthy garlic is used, which some people consider a superfood. It is also great to see that black pepper is used, which some people call the king of spices.
The sugar level is high at 7 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 3 grams of sugar or under. The salt level is quite high at 490mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less for an original flavor.
As advertised, there are no unhealthy preservatives used, where this jerky is confirmed as having no sodium nitrite. Admirably, this jerky has no MSG added.
Alright (6/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Note: For a more current taste review on a tweaked ingredient list, open up Smokehouse Jerky Co. – Original Beef Jerky (Recipe #2).
These strips are fairly long, and generally narrow in size. They are sliced to a medium, almost thin thickness. There is a great dry texture, where the brisket cut of beef is easy to chew. There are no signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is a moderate soy flavor. A mild to moderate garlic flavor starts to set in. There is a light tanginess from the lemon juice, and this flavor is moderately salty.
The sweetness is not all that strong, which results in a fair amount of natural beef flavor. Each bite finishes with a light smoked taste, and this flavor has a faint peppered taste. Overall, a great combination of flavors for an original flavor.
This 3 ounce/84 gram bag of jerky sells online for $8.00. That works out to $2.67 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. This jerky is a good buy for anybody who enjoys an original flavor with some garlic and smokiness.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This is a standard resealable plastic bag, with a label affixed on the front, and nothing on the back. The label has a fairly detailed picture that looks like a wooden shack with a “Jerky Co.” sign, and trees in a dark background.
Smokehouse Jerky Co. slogans not printed on this bag are “A Cut Above The Rest” and “From The Hicks In The Sticks”. Some facts printed on this bags are “Old Fashion Recipe”, “No Added MSG”, “No Added Preservatives”, “Made in U.S.A.”, “Old Fashion”, “Natural Smoke Flavoring Added”, and “Brisket”.
All bag categories are covered. There is no blurb printed about Smokehouse Jerky Co. or Tender Heifer Snack Co., but there is no available space.
Order their jerky online: www.tenderheifersnackco.com
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