The next review on Captain Jake’s Jerky will focus on a 2 ounce/56 gram bag of their Classic Twist flavored beef jerky purchased online. We previously reviewed this flavor in 2015, where the ingredient list and bag design has since been tweaked. This flavor is described as being beefy, smoky with a touch of sweetness, notes of fruit flavors and a mild heat level.
Unfortunately, Captain Jake’s Jerky went out of business in December 2018. The co-owners Scott Jacobson and Greg Giles launched the Captain Jake’s Jerky brand name in October 2014. Greg’s experience was accounting, food service, and small business. Scott worked in the media business, which appeared to be a good combination of skills. This jerky is distributed under the name of Captain Jake’s Jerky, LLC, and they were based out of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Worcestershire Sauce (Distilled White Vinegar, Molasses, Sugar, Water, Salt, Onions, Anchovies, Garlic, Cloves, Tamarind Extract, Natural Flavorings, Chili Pepper Extract), Balsamic Vinegar, Brown Sugar, Hickory Smoke, Onion, Garlic, Paprika, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat, Anchovies
100% certified American-raised Black Angus beef is used in this jerky. The Angus breed of cattle is known to have a good amount of natural marbling. The cattle may or may not have been administered 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 a decent soy sauce, a well-respected brand of Worcestershire sauce, and very healthy balsamic vinegar.
There are some healthy ingredients added such as onion, garlic, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
The sugar level is great at only 1 gram of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is also very low at 105mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to contain no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, salt is the main preservative. Admirably, this jerky also qualifies to have no MSG added.
Good (8/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag, I am met with the aroma of either/and/or vinegar and soy sauce. The slices are rather long and sliced somewhat thin. The jerky is rigid and dry, the way jerky was intended to be. There is no oily residue whatsoever.
It is quite difficult to bite into the jerky, it comes across as a bit tough. I am met with the flavors of salt, pepper, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and natural beef in the background. I am not detecting any remote kick, but it is not advertised as so, so all’s good. I am really enjoying the flavors that I am tasting though. I’m not quite sure what they mean by ‘twist’, as advertised, but maybe it’s the lemony, vinegary flavor in the background that would explain the word ‘twist’.
Here is Mark’s take on this Classic Twist flavor who was not as impressed: “This is your classic tasting original flavor with that familiar soy\Worcestershire sauce ratio, salt, good level of natural beef flavor, garlic, and onion. But boy this is a tough texture to chew, giving your jaws and teeth a workout. Plus there is no ‘wow’ factor. This flavor was shared between 7 people, where the taste ratings ranged from a 6 to a 9. I think anything less than an 8 taste rating is being too harsh and undeserved, but an 8 seems right here.”
Either way, this flavor is quite addictive, and tastes like more. I am very comfortable awarding this flavor a 9/10. but will go with the general consensus, and award an 8/10 taste rating.
Bag Review
This black resealable plastic bag has a label affixed to the front, and nothing on the back. The Captain Jake’s Jerky logo has an anchor in the middle.
There are no slogans or facts printed on this bag.
The only missing bag categories are a blurb printed about Captain Jake’s Jerky, or this Classic Original flavor.
Leave a Comment