The next review for Northwest Bierhaus Jerky will focus on a 4 ounce/113 gram bag of their Hot Dark Ale flavored beef jerky. This no nonsense flavor of tender jerky is advertised as having a dark rich flavor that is hot and satisfying. The bag was graciously 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, Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper, Red Chili Flake, 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 heat is achieved from healthy cayenne pepper and red chili pepper flakes.
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.
It does not take long for the beer taste to develop, where it’s more of a light pilsner taste rather than a dark ale flavor. A mild level of soy becomes more noticeable as you consume some strips of jerky. Great additions at light levels are the garlic, onion, and black pepper.
For a hot based flavor, it does come as advertised. On a heat scale, the spiciness would rate about a 2 out of 4. All along there is a great beefy meat taste. Overall, this is a rich and flavorful tasting jerky with a decent amount of heat.
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. This jerky is recommended as worthwhile if you enjoy the taste of beer, plus a soft & tender texture with a thick cut style jerky.
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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