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 Spicy Sweet flavored beef brisket jerky. This flavor is described as a combination of sweet and spicy taste that’s not too overwhelming – it has just the right amount of jalapeño to give it some kick. The jerky was graciously submitted for review by one of the owners, Patti Fonseca.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Pineapple, Teriyaki Sauce (Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Wine, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Vinegar, Salt, Spices, Onion Powder, Succinic Acid, Garlic Powder, Sodium Benzoate: Less Than 1/10 of 1% As A Preservative.), Brown Sugar, Hot Sauce (Water, Red Pepper, Salt, Spices, Garlic, Acetic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate), Fresh Jalapenos, Pineapple, Worcestershire Sauce (Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce Base (Distilled Vinegar, Molasses, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Caramel Color, Garlic Powder, Spices, Tamarind, Natural Flavor, Sulfiting Agent), Salt, Citric Acid), Lemon Juice, Granulated Garlic, Ground Pepper, Ginger. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
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 is comprised of an average brand of teriyaki sauce, a decent brand of hot sauce, an alright brand of Worcestershire sauce, and healthy lemon juice. The cheap highly processed sweetener high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is is listed twice as an ingredient to lose a rating.
There are multiple healthy ingredients added such as fresh jalapeno peppers, pineapple, granulated garlic, ground black pepper, and ground ginger.
The sugar level is high at 9 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. For a sweet based flavor as we have here, our preference is 5 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is also high at 500 grams of salt per 28 grams of jerky to lose another rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky qualifies to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservative. Instead, salt is the main preservative used. With more kudos to Smokehouse Jerky Co., this jerky has no MSG added.
Average (5/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
This Smokehouse Jerky Co. Sweet Spicy Beef Brisket Jerky starts off with some sweetness and soy, which is in line with a teriyaki flavor. There is a good level of garlic, a mild saltiness, some fruitiness, acidity and a subtle level of black pepper that favorably enhances the overall flavor profile.
The spiciness is barely noticeable and after a few strips, it slightly increases while the Jalapeno peppers flavor is more of a hit and miss. The heat level is around 1 out of 5 on the heat scale and could be a little spicier, as it is listed as a “Spicy” flavor. The natural beef flavor is present although it is competing with the sweetness.
These strips are rectangular and sliced from medium to borderline thick. The texture is fairly soft and dry and requires a reasonable effort to chew. This brisket cut is sliced against the grain and it feels a bit stringy in texture. There is some visible fat and it does enhance the flavor of the natural beef.
Paul had the following to say: “I am quite enjoying this flavor to this point and I am only missing out on the ‘spiciness’ flavor that is supposed to be present. As I eat more, the spicy kick is piquing its head out ever so slightly, but is still too bashful to jump out and bare its fangs.”
This Smokehouse Jerky Co. Sweet Spicy Beef Brisket Jerky is in fact a highly enjoyable snack reminiscent of a good Teriyaki flavor with a very slight kick.
Although, this jerky is listed as spicy, it does not really deliver on the heat scale. A little more kick would certainly send this flavorful snack over the top. Either way, it still scores a Very Good (9/10) taste rating from all of us. Cheers!
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.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
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”, “Gluten Free”, “Natural Smoke Flavoring Added”, 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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