The next review for Northwest Bierhaus Jerky will be on a 4 ounce/113 gram bag of their Hot IPA flavored beef jerky. This flavor is described as blending the bold aroma of bitter, flavorful IPA beer with the spicy “WOW” of premium cut beef. 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, Cayenne Pepper, Red Pepper Flake, 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.
Some healthy ingredients used are garlic, onion, and black pepper. The heat is achieved from cayenne pepper and red chili pepper flakes, both of which are healthy if eaten in moderation.
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.
No single flavor jumps out at first other than a pleasant blend of flavors. In the background is a persistent light level of smokiness. At light levels are garlic and soy, with a mild level of salt. Not much sweetness is present, which allows a decent amount of natural beef flavor.
The India pale ale is challenging to detect, with maybe a light level of hops. The heat never does get intense. On a heat scale, the spiciness would rate a 2 out of 5 at best. Overall, this flavor has some good elements, but could stand to be a little spicier.
A light smoked flavor is present throughout. Despite the lack of beer flavor, this jerky is addictive, which 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. This flavor is recommended if you would enjoy thick style cut jerky with a soft & tender texture, and a bit of spiciness.
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
Were you recently at the Christmas Fair in Roseburg? I hope it was you. I tried some garter jerky that was really good and wished I had bought some.
Janice
Sorry it was not us down in Roseburg. We have Delicious Hand-Crafted Beef Jerky Marinated in West Coast Beers & Wines Naturally Smoked for a Unique Flavor