The next review for Crazy Mike’s Beef Jerky will focus on a 2.3 ounce/70 gram bag of their black peppered flavored beef jerky. We previously reviewed this black peppered flavor in August 2017, where the bag design has since changed, and how the jerky is dried has changed. This handcrafted black peppered beef jerky flavor is described as using the same original hickory recipe with coarse black pepper to add in a wonderful peppery flavor for your taste buds. (Crazy Mike’s personal favorite)! The jerky was graciously submitted for review by the Founder/Owner, Mike Merwin.
From his origins on the family farm in Northeast Montana circa 1970s, Mike has always loved beef jerky; but had to settle for mediocre brands. He perfected his recipe in 1994 while in the U.S. Navy after a failed search for a great tasting, high protein beef jerky snack to re-fuel his body after exhaustive workouts. “Crazy Mike” was dubbed by his friends due to his passion for life and his crazy adventures. Skydiving from 14,000 feet, scuba diving past 100 feet, marathons, triathlons, 100-mile bicycle rides, and globe-trotting underwater on nuclear submarines to name a few! This Crazy Mike’s Beef Jerky brand name is located in Altamont, New York, and it is distributed under the name of Crazy Mike’s Beef Jerky Company, LLC.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Top Round Beef, Water, Wheat Gluten, Sugar, Salt, Soybean, Caramel Coloring, Ginger, Garlic, Black Pepper, Natural Hickory Liquid Smoke. Less Than 0.1% Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate (Preservatives). Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
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 only liquid marinade used here is plain old water. There are soybeans and wheat used, but soy sauce itself is not a listed ingredient.
Many people consider garlic and ginger to be in the superfood group. Garlic is part of the allium family, which interestingly heals people differently depending on an individual’s needs. Some people refer to super healthy black pepper as being the King of Spices.
The sugar level is good at 2 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is high at 470mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does not qualify to have no sodium nitrite, where similar preservatives sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are used to lose a rating. Commendably, there is no MSG added.
Alright (6/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
Ironically, once I open the bag, I believe I am smelling pepper. I am a huge fan of pepper. The jerky is medium to large in size, and it is sliced quite thin. The jerky is not soft, but also not hard, and it is easy to chew. It leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
Wow!! This jerky is in possession of a ridiculously scrumptious top tier, knock my taste buds on my *ss “WOW” factor. I taste salt, copious and copious amounts of succulent black pepper, garlic, soy and much natural beef. Did this jerky not come from the local dispensary?!
This jerky also provides a bit of a kick, I believe mostly from the ridiculously strong and tasty flavor of pepper. It is taking me forever to write this review, because I’m having a h*ll of a time drawing my fingers away from the jerky long enough to write this review.
If this jerky isn’t a first-ballot, card-carrying, kick-in-the-arse 10/10, then there’s no such thing gentlemen. If anyone disagrees, I’ll dispense of your portion as well…
Here is what Mark had to say about this black peppered beef jerky flavor from Crazy Mike’s Beef Jerky: “Stephane and I agree with Paul, where this black pepper flavor is fantastic tasting. It is reminiscent tasting of the extremely popular Wild Bill’s beef jerky flavors.
With that said, I made an observation in sharing this flavor with 10 people. The salt lovers (about half of the people) made no mention about the high level of saltiness, while those sensitive to salt thought it was too salty tasting. I was among those half who also thought this flavor was too salty tasting, but tastes great nonetheless.”
“Here are the official ratings between the Group of Seven (Mark – 9, Paul – 10, Stephane – 10, Nolan (too salty) – 8, Mark M. – 10, Sid – 8 (too salty), Ava – 7 (too salty tasting))”.
A 2.3 ounce/65 gram bag sells online for $6.97. That works out to $3.03 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This resealable clear plastic bag has a label affixed to the front, and nothing on the back. Crazy Mike’s Beef Jerky logo has a blue, red, and white depiction of Crazy Mike himself.
Some slogans printed on this bag are “It’s not good… It’s CRAZY GOOD” and “When it’s snack TIME… It’s TIME for Crazy Mike’s”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Proudly Made in the U.S.A.”, “USA Veteran Owned Business”, and “High Protein”.
The only minor bag category missing is the jerky weight is not stated in grams. A good blurb is printed about Crazy Mike’s Beef Jerky.
Order their jerky online: www.crazymikesjerky.com
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