The next review for Northwest Bierhaus Jerky will be on a 4 ounce/113 gram bag of their Dark Ale flavored beef jerky. This Dark Ale flavor is described as being hearty tasting with a high quality nutty flavor. The bag was kindly submitted for review by the owner, Glenn Loehr.
This Northwest Bierhaus Jerky brand is distributed by GJ Products. They are located in Clackamas, Oregon, and this jerky brand was launched in 2014. Northwest Bierhaus also carries California, Oregon, and Washington Country Wine Jerky brands. Their jerky is a thick cut with a soft and tender texture, and is marinated in wine or beer. It is advertised to be naturally smoked for a unique West Coast flavor.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Beer, Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Salt, Garlic, Onion, Black Pepper, Celery Powder. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
The beef used is guaranteed to be ethically raised, meaning free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. There is no guarantee that the cattle have at least partial free range access to graze on grass. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Very Good (9/10) rating.
The only liquids used in the marinade are a decent soy sauce, and beer. All alcohol content is removed in the jerky drying process.
Healthy vegetables garlic and onion are used. Black pepper is used, which some people call The King of Spices.
The sugar level is respectable at only 2 grams of sugar per 30 grams of jerky. The salt level is somewhat high at 390mg of salt per 30 grams of jerky. However, that is negated because Northwest sea salt is used, which is high on minerals and trace minerals.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is sea salt. Celery powder also acts as a preservative with its naturally occurring nitrates.
To the credit of Northwest Bierhaus Jerky, there is no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips of jerky are mostly traditionally shaped, being narrow and long. As advertised, this jerky does qualify to be thick cut. This jerky does have a soft & tender texture, which is easy to chew despite the thickness. There are almost no signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves some oily residue on your fingers.
Quickly it becomes obvious that this flavor is juicy with a good amount of flavor. There is a type of beer flavor, perhaps not so much dark ale, but more of a light ale or pilsner taste. Each bite finishes off with light soy and black pepper flavors.
There is some natural beef flavor, but it is deeply marinated tasting. All along there is a good level of garlic, and a light onion level. Also present is a mild sweetness that pairs well with the beer. Overall, an interesting flavor that leaves you wanting more.
A 4 ounce/113 gram bag sells online for $11.00. That works out to $2.75 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. A tasty beer based flavor without the strong taste of a dark ale, with a thick, soft and tender texture.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This narrow, clear plastic bag is not resealable, which is uncommon for a 4 ounce/113 gram bag. Worth noting is that this bag is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep jerky fresh tasting. There is one label affixed to the front, and nothing on the back. There is a drawing of a sexy waitress with jerky and beers in her hands.
There is no slogan displayed. The blurb displayed is “Hand-Crafted Jerky Marinated in Northwest Beers, Naturally Smoked for a Unique Northwest Flavor”.
There are a few bag categories missing such as allergen alerts, and the bag not being resealable.
Order their jerky online: www.northwestbierhausjerky.com
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