The next review for Jerkface will focus on a 2 ounce/56 gram bag of their Smoked Jalapeno flavored beef jerky. This jerky is advertised as a spicy collaboration w/ Chef Logan McGear of Smoke & Barrel, made in DC. The jerky was graciously submitted for review by the owner, Eric Judycki.
This Jerkface brand name is located in Washington, DC, and is distributed under the name of Jerkface Jerky. After Eric received his first dehydrator from his girlfriend, he exceeded her expectations. Eric continued to test out new flavors, using his friends as “flavor guinea pigs”. With Eric’s connections to the DC craft beer community, and active imagination, he decided to launch the Jerkface brand name in 2013. The Jerkface name is an homage to a close friend that passed away, whose favorite loving salutation was yelling “Jerkface!” whenever happily greeting a pal. Only high quality lean flank steak is used, known for its awesome texture. There are currently 8 flavors of jerky available.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef Flank Steak, Soy Sauce, Smoked Jalapeno Sauce (Jalapeno, Garlic, Vinegar, Salt), Honey, Organic Blue Agave Nectar, Spices. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
The flank steak used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have at least partial free range access to graze on grass. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Good (8/10) rating.
The liquid marinade is comprised of soy sauce, a good smoked jalapeno sauce, healthy honey, and the sweetener organic blue agave nectar. Many people consider blue agave nectar to be one of the healthier sweetener alternatives, although there is debate with that. Mostly contained to the blue agave nectar being overly processed, albeit an organic blue agave nectar is the among the best choices out there.
The heat is achieved from the jalapeno peppers and hot red peppers. Hot peppers are healthy if consumed in moderation.
The sugar level is very good at only 1 gram of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is on the higher side at 420mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is salt. Admirably, there is no MSG added.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips of jerky are mostly medium in size, and are sliced to a medium thickness. The flank steak texture is dry, but mostly easy to chew. There are some visible signs of fat, which accentuates the natural beef flavor. Handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first flavors detected are light levels of black pepper and garlic. Blended in is a moderate level of soy, and a light level of vinegar. The saltiness is at a mild level, and there is little sweetness present.
There is some heat present, tasting more like hot chili peppers rather than jalapeno peppers. On a heat scale, the spiciness would rate a 2 out of 5. The smoked flavor is subtle. Overall, a very flavorful snack that delivers with a reasonable amount of heat.
A 2 ounce/57 gram bag sells online for $8.50. That works out to $4.25 an ounce, which rates as pretty expensive price. While flank steak is not cheap, this flavor is recommended if you would enjoy a mild level of heat with very little sweetness.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This small, resealable plastic bag has labels affixed to both the front and back. The Jerkface logo is a bull’s head with horns.
Their slogan is “Artisanal Beef Jerky”.
Some bag categories missing are a soy allergen alert, jerky weight not stated in grams, USDA inspected logo, and a blurb about this jerky or flavor. The @jerkfacedc Twitter and Instagram handles are provided. An email address is displayed for customer inquiries.
Order their jerky online: www.jerkfacejerky.com
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