The Smokehouse Jerky Co. brand name was launched in 2008. On January 2/2017, Franco and his wife Patti Fonseca acquired Smokehouse Jerky Co. from Trent Levinson and his wife Barbie. Franco has since added some new flavors, and they have a new web site design. All Smokehouse Jerky Co. jerky is made in small batches. Tender Heifer Snack Co. are always looking for new distributors across the United States, and they offer private label services, most notably for Knott’s Berry Farm. This jerky is manufactured and distributed by Tender Heifer Snack Co., and they are based out of Beaumont, California.
The next review on Smokehouse Jerky Co. will focus on a 3 ounce/84 gram bag of their Smoky Bar-B flavored beef brisket jerky for a second time. This Smoky Bar-B flavor name is a play on words with the previous owner Trent’s wife’s name being Barbie. The ingredient list has since been changed and the bag design tweaked. This flavor is described as an old fashion recipe style featuring a natural smoke flavoring – perfect for people who are looking for that authentic taste found in smoke-grilled food. The jerky was graciously submitted for review by one of the owners, Patti Fonseca.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Brown Sugar, Gluten Free Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Salt, Sugar), Tomato Sauce, White Vinegar, Mesquite Liquid Smoke, Granulated Onion, Granulated Garlic, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Cumin. Allergen Warnings: Soy
This brisket cut of beef used is from cattle raised in California. Brisket is considered to be one of the best cuts of beef to use for jerky. The beef 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 used here is comprised of a decent brand of gluten-free soy sauce, healthy tomato sauce, very healthy white vinegar, and one of the best liquid smokes out there, mesquite liquid smoke.
There are some healthy ingredients used such as granulated garlic, granulated onion, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cumin.
The sugar level is very low for a sweet based flavor as we have here at only 1 gram of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is extremely low at only 85mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
As advertised, there are no unhealthy preservatives used, where this jerky is confirmed as having no sodium nitrite. Instead, salt is the main preservative used. Admirably, this jerky has no MSG added.
Good (8/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
The Smoky Bar-B Beef Brisket Jerky by the Smokehouse Jerky Co. is a tasty and a very interesting flavor. There is a good “tomatoey” barbecue taste followed with a mild level of soy, garlic, onion and black pepper. The sweetness of this jerky is within reason as it is to be expected with most barbecue flavors. The amount of natural beef flavor remains reasonable and not overwhelmed by other competing flavors. All these flavors are nicely accentuated by great mesquite smokiness and an ever so slight spicy kick. The smokiness adds richness to this tasty treat and creates a fun and interesting flavor profile.
These jerky strips are medium in size, they’re traditionally rectangular in shape and they are sliced between thin and medium. The texture is generally soft and tender. There is some visible fat and untrimmed silver skin. The silver skin is usually carefully removed as it tends to be more challenging to chew and it also takes away from fully enjoying a better cut of meat such as a brisket.
Mark mentioned: “With one of my favorite jerky flavors being barbecue, sure I would recommend this flavor to other fans of barbecue. However, lacking is a ‘wow factor’ to completely captivate me on this Smoky Barb-B flavor, and the amount of gristle/silver skin.”
The Smokehouse Jerky Co. Smoky Bar-B Beef Brisket Jerky is really good and it is an addictive treat. On the down side, some of the strips of meat are rather tough to chew and the silver skin takes away significantly from fully enjoying this otherwise great jerky. We’ve awarded a Good 8/10 taste rating.
This 3 ounce/84 gram bag of jerky sells online for 7.99. That works out to $2.67 an ounce, which rates as an average price. Commendably, free shipping is offered on all orders over $25.
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has a label affixed on the front, and nothing on the back. The label has a fairly detailed picture of a wooden shack with a “Jerky Co.” sign.
Some facts printed on this bags are “Old Fashion Recipe”, “No Added MSG”, “No Added Preservatives”, “Made in U.S.A.”, “Old Fashion”, and “Brisket”.
All bag categories are covered but one. There is no blurb printed about Smokehouse Jerky Co. or Tender Heifer Snack Co.
Order their jerky online: www.smokehousejerkyco.com
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