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 Haunting Heat flavored beef brisket jerky. This flavor is described as being seasoned with real ghost peppers – its intense kick will haunt your tongue, and give you waves of flavor that will tease you to get more despite the heat! The jerky was graciously submitted for review by one of the owners, Patti Fonseca.
Ingredient Review
Beef, Teriyaki Sauce (Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Wine, Sugar, Water, Vinegar, Salt, Onion Powder, Spice Extractives, Succinic Acid, Garlic Powder), Honey, Brown Sugar, Worcestershire Sauce (Distilled Vinegar, Molasses, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Caramel Color, Garlic Powder, Sugar, Spices, Tamarind, Natural Flavor, Sulfiting Agent), Salt, Citric Acid), Granulated Garlic, Lemon Juice, Pineapple Juice, Ground Black Pepper, Ghost Pepper Powder, Ginger, Salt, Cayenne Pepper, Ground Red Pepper
. 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 used here is comprised of a decent brand of teriyaki sauce, decent brand of soy sauce, decent brand of Worcestershire sauce, healthy honey, lemon juice, and pineapple juice.
There are some healthy ingredients used such as granulated garlic, onion, black pepper, ginger, and ground red pepper.
The heat is achieved using cayenne pepper, and ghost pepper, which can measure over 1,000,000 SHU! Hot peppers are healthy if eaten in moderation.
The sugar level is at the upper limit allowable of 4 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky for a hot based flavor. The salt level is somewhat low at 190mg 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 Paul Rekker
The pieces are medium to large in size, and they are sliced to a medium thickness. The jerky is a bit moist and chewy, and it leaves a very slight oily residue on your fingers.
The first flavors I encounter are the salt, pepper, garlic, slight sweet, and a very definitive juice, I’m guessing pineapple juice.
Holy Cow, this ghost pepper flavor of jerky is spectacular!! The heat has kicked in quite forcefully, I feel like one of Daenerys Stormborn’s dragons has just breathed fire on me. I am sweating profusely, but in such a tasty way. I am a disciple of this SJC hot flavor, and, just like GOT, this jerky experience is ending far too early. ALL HAIL SJC HAUNTING HEAT JERKY!!! 👍👍
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.
Excellent (10/10) – 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, and a picture of a menacing ghost pepper.
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.
The bag listed at the bottom is also a 1oz bag submitted for review.
Order their jerky online: www.smokehousejerkyco.com
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