The next review for Oregon Wine Country Jerky will focus on a 4 ounce/113 gram bag of their Pinot Noir flavored beef jerky. This Pinot Noir flavor is advertised as having a strong fruity intensity with a complex flavor, and being one of a kind beef jerky. The jerky bag was graciously submitted for review by the owner, Glenn Loehr.
This Oregon Wine Country Jerky brand is distributed by GJ Products. They are located in Clackamas, Oregon, and the Oregon Wine Country Jerky brand was launched in 2014. The parent jerky brand, Northwest Bierhaus, also carries Oregon and Washington Country Wine Jerky brands. Their jerky is thick cut with a soft and tender texture, and it is marinated in wine or beer. GJ Products advertise to use only natural ingredients, which is true.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Wine, 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 Pinot Noir. Wine is known to be healthy if consumed in moderation. Pinot Noir contains a beneficial phytonutrient named resveratrol, which offers a wide variety of health benefits.
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 high at 420mg 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 Northwest sea salt. Admirably, there is also 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 an oily residue on your fingers.
The first flavors detected are light levels of garlic and black pepper. There is a mild level of saltiness. With little sweetness present, there is a good amount of natural beef flavor.
Throughout, the pinot noir flavor makes this jerky stand out, which has an interesting fruity flavor. In the background there is a subtle soy flavor. Overall, this pinot noir flavor is in a class of its own, which gives you a sense of indulgence and decadence.
A 4 ounce/113 gram bag sells online for $11.00. That works out to $2.75 an ounce, which rates as an average price. This pinot noir jerky is a must try for anybody who enjoys wine.
Excellent (10/10) – 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. There is one label affixed to the front, and nothing on the back. There is a drawing of Oregon wine country on the label.
Their slogan is “Made with Oregon Wines”. The blurb displayed is “Hand-Crafted Beef Jerky Marinated in Oregon Wines, Naturally Smoked for a Unique West Coast 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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