Jerky makers are getting more and more impressed with our taste reviews. Our taste reviews have slowly evolved since this jerky web site started in January 2014, where we are always striving to improve. For nearly the first two years, Paul and I would meet together to do these taste reviews. Around late 2016, Stéphane periodically started partaking in our taste reviews. Since November 2017, with enough experience on various jerky flavors, types, and styles, Stéphane has been writing the taste reviews on weekdays.
Reviewing jerky is no simple task. More often than not we are all on the same page with a taste review. It gets more complicated when we all have differing opinions. We have had some heated arguments, more like heated discussions. We have in jest challenged each other to fist fights on differing opinions, and elevated that to duels by swords more recently when we have stark disagreements.
We have a multitude of jerky reviews to choose from here to show an example of behind the scenes jerky taste reviews. Below is one example random taste review from start to finish that was published in August 2018. In addition to emails sent back and forth, we also have face to face discussions.
——– Original message ——–
From: Paul Rekker
Date: 2018-07-31 1:22 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Stephane LeClerc, Mark Jurrius
Subject: SMPC original beef jerky review
The pieces are very large, and they are sliced to a medium thickness. The jerky is dry, yet still quite easy to chew. There is no oily residue left on your fingers.
The first flavours I encounter are salt, pepper, garlic, a juice, I’m guessing pineapple juice, and copious amounts of natural beef. Guys, this is the taste and texture every jerky maker should be striving to achieve, this is exceptionally tasty for an original flavour. Do I detect almost a buttery flavour in some of my bites? I think so. I am thoroughly enjoying this jerky, and am trying my best not to devour it all in one sitting.
A very enthusiastic 10/10, and my customary two thumbs up, way up!!👍👍
On July 31, 2018, at 4:49 PM, Jurrius, Mark wrote:
I agree wholeheartedly here with Paul. This original flavor delivers on the beef flavor in spades.
Below is my taste review.
These strips of jerky are rather large (I cut most of them into strips of 3), and have a medium thickness. The texture is dry, and not totally consistent. Some strips have a reasonable amount of effort to chew, while other strips are a bigger challenge to chew. There are some visible signs of fat that greatly accentuate the natural flavor of beef, making this flavor irresistible.
The natural flavor of beef jumps out right away, along with a moderately strong level of saltiness. Chewing more brings on a mild level of soy, and a light level of garlic. The paprika level is light tasting and a nice addition, and the black pepper is faint tasting.
By definition, natural beef flavor should be the most dominant flavor for an Original flavor, and this flavor absolutely delivers in the natural beef flavor. Especially the more oily strips, which tends to melt in your mouth after a while, and are quite addictive.
Soybean oil is a listed ingredient, but explicitly stated as a ‘processing aid’. I did some research, and for meat specifically, it controls the pH and acts as a antimicrobial agent. Processing aids are not typically used for taste. Whatever the use here, I think it’s the source of the oily taste in your mouth, which Paul described as being buttery.
I was pretty much helpless on pacing myself with my portion. I found this flavor to be addictive as heck. This Original flavor is positively recommended to even the slightest fans of beef. Being so lightly seasoned, this would be an ideal snack for kids who cannot handle even slightly spicy or bold tasting flavors. I with no compunction whatsoever am awarding this flavor a well-deserved Excellent (10/10) taste rating (insert applause in the background).
On Aug 1, 2018, at 7:23 PM, Leclerc, Stephane wrote:
A true gem on so many levels and an amazing jerky treat, this Sierra Madre Provisions Co – Original Beef Jerky explodes with such flavor and the texture is nothing short of extraordinary.
The natural flavor of beef and a moderate saltiness exceeds and grabs the jerky aficionado’s attention right from the start. Each strip uncovers a subtle black pepper, paprika, soy and garlic flavor and beautifully complements this sublime flavor profile.
As an Original flavor the natural beef flavor should be the dominant flavor, and this flavor absolutely delivers on natural beef flavor in spades. It is rich and decadent; it is a meat lovers dream. Some strips are slightly oily, they tend to melt in your mouth and they’re addictive as heck.
Although, Soybean oil is not typically used to improve the taste, it seems to be doing a really good job here and as Paul highlighted the buttery taste in his review and we totally agree. This jerky has a velvety and buttery taste and it is most enjoyable.
These strips of jerky are quite substantial with a medium thickness. The texture is rather dry and somewhat inconsistent, as some strips are reasonably easy to chew while others are a bit more challenging. There are some visible signs of fat, it greatly accentuates the beef natural flavor and it makes this flavor irresistible. I do appreciate the variation in texture; I find it brings a fun and exciting element to this jerky. I find myself fishing for my favorite texture while still enjoying each and every strip.
I’ll extend the “mic” to Mark and let him spread his wings and express himself: “I was pretty much helpless on pacing myself with my portion. I found this flavor to be addictive as heck. This Original flavor is positively recommended to even the slightest fans of beef. Being so lightly seasoned, this would be an ideal snack for kids who cannot handle even slightly spicy or bold tasting flavors. I with no compunction whatsoever award this flavor a well-deserved Excellent (10/10) taste rating (insert applause in the background).”
Paul echoed the following sentiment from his man cave at an undisclosed location: “Guys, this is the taste and texture every jerky maker should be striving to achieve; this is exceptionally tasty for an original flavor. Do I detect an almost buttery flavor in some of my bites? I think so. I am thoroughly enjoying this jerky, and I am trying my best not to devour it all in one sitting.”
Well, this is it! Sierra Madre Provisions Co – Original Beef Jerky would certainly convert any hardcore vegetarian or vegan out there and I mean that in a very delicate, non-judgmental, accepting, loving and sharing kind of way …Kumbaya!
Sierra Madre Provisions Co – Original Beef Jerky have earned a very enthusiastic 10/10 taste rating and our customary two thumbs up …way up!! Cheers!
Regards,
Stéphane C. Leclerc
From: Paul Rekker
Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2018 12:38 PM
To: Leclerc, Stephane
Cc: Jurrius, Mark; Stephane Leclerc
Subject: Re: Sierra Madre Provisions Co – Original Beef Jerky Review
Stephane, you continue to make a liar out of me (for all the right reasons). Kudos to another spectacular review…👍👍
Side note: Paul had recently told Stephane that he had written his best taste review to date on an earlier review. I mentioned it as being our shtick.
On Aug 2, 2018, at 1:44 PM, Leclerc, Stephane wrote:
Thanks man!
I like how our opinions intertwine and give our reader a new experience. They can follow our take on a jerky as well as offering them a little opened window on who we are. I believe these little details can make a difference on how we can attract an audience.
Please do not hesitate if you have any ideas or suggestions, I am always open to it.
PS. We’ll penetrate our readership with our thrusting shticks in all of their mightiness. We will fill their gaping holes of desires and catapult each of them to the highest peaks of bliss. They will reach new heights and experience utmost pleasure that were once forbidden, taboo or unknown to people kind. Their minds will explode in an ultimate burst of pure ecstasy.
Regards,
Stéphane C. Leclerc
From: Paul Rekker
Sent: August-03-18 1:59 AM
To: Leclerc, Stephane
Cc: Jurrius, Mark; Stephane Leclerc
Subject: Re: Sierra Madre Provisions Co – Original Beef Jerky Review
I’m getting aroused just reading that…🤪👍
From: Mark Jurrius
Sent: August-03-18 5:42 PM
To: ‘Paul Rekker’; ‘Leclerc, Stephane’
Cc: ‘Jurrius, Mark’; ‘Stephane Leclerc’
Subject: RE: Sierra Madre Provisions Co – Original Beef Jerky Review
What arouses me is big numbers on Google Analytics.
The top 10 pages visited has always been the most interesting. Starting a Jerky Business page has consistently been in the #2 spot. Within the last year or so, the Jerky Bag Price news post published in July 2017 has consistently been a top 5 post. It would seem that we have set the standard for jerky prices across the planet, especially North America, a viral post by our standards.
The Jerky Brands, Jerky Counters, and Jerky Tags (my pet database) pages have consistently been Top 10 pages visited, with Jerky Types and Jerky Flavors being in the Top 25. It is personally very satisfying to see 700 Jerky Tags Created To Date in 4th place in 2018. 200 Jerky Brands To Date published on July 22 is even now outperforming 700 Jerky Tags, another awesome fact, which is that big spike in the graph below on July 22. It is fabulous to see the East Coast Beef Jerky tag in 9th place, and they were phenomenally 4th place in July. Thanks guys.
Mark
As a side note here is the end result of this Sierra Madre Provision Co. – Original Beef Jerky Review, one of over 600 jerky reviews published to date, welcome to our world.
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