The next review for Jerkface will be on a 2 ounce/56 gram bag of their cleverly named Coffee Javapeno flavored beef jerky. This flavor is described as being a collaboration with Qualia Coffee to put a little pep in your step. 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, which is known for its great texture.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef Flank Steak, Soy Sauce, Coffee Beans, Honey, Jalapeno Powder, 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, and a healthy local brand of honey. For thousands of years honey has been used as a natural remedy.
The heat is achieved from the jalapeno powder. Hot peppers are healthy if consumed in moderation.
More and more research shows that coffee beans offer multiple health benefits.
The sugar level is great at under 1 gram of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is high 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
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
I am very pleasantly surprised, as I did not really know what to expect from a coffee flavored jerky. The soya is unmistakable and in your face. The Jalapeno is equally as prevalent and adds so much beautiful flavor without being overly spicy. The coffee surprisingly makes this jerky shine as it adds slight bitterness undertones and a lot of richness in every bite. It has full aroma and although the texture is dry and slightly oily, it is very nice, enjoyable and reasonably tender.
This jerky is fairly salty and it wonderfully complements its flavor profile in a simple way. I find it is best enjoyed in small bites, chewing a little and letting it dissolve in the corner of your mouth. This fully extracts the flavor of the Jalapeno, the richness of the meat and the coffee, and all the other flavors are being pleasantly accentuated by the salt.
This is a great jerky, it is full of flavors and carefully crafted for people who enjoy bolder flavors. I highly recommend this Javapeno flavor and rate it 10/10.
A 2 ounce/57 gram bag sells online for $8.50. That works out to $4.25 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price, albeit flank steak is used.
Excellent (10/10) – 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”. True to their word, these strips of jerky are expertly cut to fit in this small sized bag.
Some bag categories missing are allergen alerts, 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
Leave a Comment