The next review for House of Jerky will focus on a 3 ounce/85 gram bag of their whiskey flavored rabbit jerky. This bag was kindly submitted for review by Lesley from House of Jerky.
This House of Jerky brand is distributed by House of Jerky Inc., based out of Evansville, Indiana. It all started in 1993, selling their jerky on the side of the road. In 1996, they had an idea to sell their jerky inside a store. Before the year ended, they opened a jerky store in Temecula, California, which still holds the distinction of being the very first jerky store in the world. Their popularity is really catching on, currently with 28 House of Jerky stores. Three new House of Jerky stores opened up this month alone, and more opening soon. House of Jerky always welcome new store openings across the United States.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Rabbit, Teriyaki Sauce (Soy Sauce [Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt], Wine, Sugar, Water, Vinegar, Salt, Spices, Onion Powder, Succinic Acid, Garlic Powder), Water, Brown Sugar, Pineapple Juice, Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Granulated Onion, Granulated Garlic, Spices, Sodium Nitrite. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
The rabbits used are sourced from rabbit farms, which are generally humanely treated. There is some free range access to roam about. They are ethically raised, meaning not administered growth hormones. Rabbit meat is considered to be very lean, low on protein, and similar to chicken, but better.
The liquid marinade is comprised of water, a decent teriyaki sauce, healthy pineapple juice, and healthy lemon juice. It’s good to see that real bourbon is used. The jerky drying process removes all alcohol content.
There are healthy ingredients used such as black pepper, garlic, and spices.
There is no nutrition facts table available. As a result, the exact sugar and salt levels are unknown.
This jerky does not qualify to have no sodium nitrite used as a preservatives. In fairness, only the House of Jerky exotic jerky lines use sodium nitrite, where sales are more unpredictable. Admirably, there is no MSG added.
Good (8/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These jerky strips are medium in size, and are sliced to a medium thickness. It’s color is more orange, and resembles chicken. The texture is not all that dry, and is fairly easy to chew, except the odd piece. There are no visible signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves almost no oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is a moderate level of sweetness, which in most cases would be too high, but it works with this flavor. Mild levels of soy, pineapple and lemon provide an interesting combination. The salt, pepper, garlic, and onion are all at light levels.
While not consistent from strip to strip, the flavor does finish with a whiskey flavor. After fifteen minutes you still have aftertastes, as if you drank a glass of bourbon.
As for the rabbit meat, it does taste similar to chicken, but better.
Two of these 3 ounce/85 gram bags sells for $28.75, with free shipping. That works out to $4.79 an ounce, which may rate as an expensive price. Rabbit jerky seems to be pretty scarce. Trying rabbit jerky is a worthwhile experience. This flavor is sweet tasting, and has a decent level of bourbon.
Bag Review
This is a somewhat large, clear, resealable sized plastic bag. Worth noting is that this bag is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep jerky fresh. There is one label affixed to the front, and nothing on the back. The House of Jerky logo is of a man tapping a triangle, signaling that it is time to eat.
There are no slogans or facts printed on this bag.
There are some bag categories missing such as a nutrition facts table, a bar code, a USDA inspected stamp, best before date, and a blurb about this jerky and flavor. There is a batch number on the back, which could translate to a best before date. To the credit of House of Jerky, a toll free phone number is provided for customer inquiries.
Order their jerky online: www.houseofjerky.net
10/10. Excellent detailed review!