The next review for Smoky Mountain Trail Grub will be on a 2 ounce/56 gram bag of their teriyaki flavored elk jerky. Their jerky is described as from an old fashioned smoky mountain smoke house in the valley of smoky’s. This bag was kindly submitted for review by the owner, Lawrence Wittmer.
This Smoky Mountain Trail Grub brand is distributed by Jerky Snack Shack. After retiring in 2008, Lawrence moved to Florida and noticed that there were no jerky makers at a local flea market. His jerky caught on, and in 2013 he moved to Northern Georgia. By 2015, the Smoky Mountain Trail Grub was launched in Helen, Georgia. It is only a few miles away from the Appalachian Trail, where their jerky is a big hit for the hikers. Recently, a new exotic jerky line was introduced, which includes alligator, alpaca, buffalo, elk, kangaroo, python, snapping turtle, venison, and wild boar.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Elk, Teriyaki Sauce (Soy Sauce {Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt}, Water, Vinegar, Sugar, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Ginger Powder), Water, Brown Sugar, Lemon Juice, Granulated Garlic, Spices, Sodium Nitrite. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
Elk meat is leaner and healthier compared to beef. The elk are raised ethically, meaning they are not administered growth hormones, or additional antibiotics. They also have some free range access to graze on grass, and roam about, just the way nature intended. The ingredient rating starts at Excellent (10/10).
The liquid marinade is comprised of a good teriyaki sauce, water, and lemon juice. Lemons offer many health benefits, and is a natural meat tenderizer.
Some healthy ingredients used are granulated garlic and spices, which would include black pepper.
There is no nutrition facts table provided. As a result, the exact sugar and salt levels are unknown.
This jerky does not qualify to have no sodium nitrite used as a preservative. In fairness, only the Smoky Mountain Trail Grub exotic jerky lines use sodium nitrite, where sales are more unpredictable. Admirably, there is no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips of jerky vary from medium to small in size, and are sliced to a medium thickness. The texture is sort of on the dry side, and relatively easy to chew. There are no visible signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is a mild to moderate level of sweetness. Soon a teriyaki based flavor starts to develop, which would include a mild level of soy. A mild level of black pepper complements the flavor very well.
The taste of elk is not gamey tasting, but it has a richer flavor compared to beef. What sets this flavor apart is a sort of unique anise taste. You could describe it as similar to how black licorice tastes. Overall, this flavor is delicious, which leaves you wanting more.
A 2 ounce/56 gram bag sells online for $10.99. That works out to $5.50 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. This distinct tasting flavor is certainly recommended as worth purchasing.
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 depicts a picture of a wooden shack with an elk standing in front. This bag is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep jerky fresh tasting.
The slogan on this bag is “The Hunter”. Some facts displayed on the bag are “No Nitrates”, “No MSG Added”, “High Protein”, “Low Fat”, “Old Fashion Recipe”, and “Made in the U.S.A.”.
Some bag categories are missing here, such as the jerky weight not stated in grams, no web site provided, a nutrition facts table, and no blurb printed about the jerky or flavor. Admirably, an email address is provided for customer inquiries.
Order their jerky online: www.jerkysnackshack.net
JERKYSNACKSHACK@GMAIL.COM. WILLGO TO OUR WEB THANKS L.W.