Frustrated with what jerky was available in Quebec, Alex set out to create jerky that was different from the status quo. The main focus is the quality of ingredients, and different flavour combinations as a healthy alternative source of protein. Alex claims to have 32 grams of protein per 70 gram bag, the highest percentage of protein when using the metric of cost of jerky/weight of jerky.
Alex is constantly researching on ways to improve jerky, and is a true jerky aficionado whom I have met. On June 1st, 2017, Alex officially launched this MTL Jerky brand name. This MTL Jerky brand name is located in Montreal, Quebec, and is distributed under the same name of MTL Jerky.
The next review for MTL Jerky will focus on a 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag of their Diablo flavoured beef jerky. This Diablo flavour is described as combining the heat of chili peppers, cayenne pepper and chili powder marinated in Tabasco sauce to give you just the right level of heat. The jerky was kindly submitted for review by the founder, Alexander Halasz.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef (Eye Of Round), Honey, Tobasco ( Distilled Vinegar, Red Pepper, Salt), Apple Cider Vinegar, Raw Sugar, Sea Salt, Granulated Garlic, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper.
Ingrédients: Boeuf (Noix de Ronde), Miel, Tobasco ( Vinaigre Distillé, Poivron Rouge, Sel), Vinaigre De Cidre De Pomme, Sucre, Sel De Mer, Ail Granulé, Flocons De Chili, Piment Cayenne.
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 healthy apple cider vinegar, local honey, and the highly respected hot sauce healthy Tabasco sauce.
The level of sugar is a little high at 4 grams of sugar per 20 grams of jerky to lose a rating. For a hot based flavor as we have here, around 3 grams of sugar or less is acceptable per 20 gram of jerky. The salt level is a tad high at 360mg of salt per 20 grams of jerky. However, the salt level is ignored because healthy minimally processed sea salt is added.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used are sea salt, and apple cider vinegar to a lesser degree. Commendably, there is no MSG added.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
MTL JERKY – DIABLO BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell either soy or vinegar, whatever it is, the smell is not very strong. The strips of jerky are medium in size, and they are sliced to a medium thickness. The jerky is soft(ish) and dry, and it leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
When I bite into the jerky, I detect salt, sugar, garlic, and a good helping of heat, hotter than what I’m normally exposed to. Which is a good thing. It is not too hot, maybe a 3 or a 3-1/2 out of 5 on the heat scale. You can see the chili flakes on the jerky.
As far as the taste, I googled what ‘diablo’ means, and it is a Spanish word for ‘devil’, which now explains the spicy part of this flavour. I am very duly impressed with this flavour, it is a very traditional looking jerky, traditional tasting jerky, except for the rather intense heat, which, to a heat freak like me, is just another added reason to love this jerky. It definitely comes across as advertised, and, all things considered, I have to give this jerky a well-deserved 10/10. Two thumbs way up!!!👍👍 Gentlemen?
Here is what Mark had to say about this Diablo beef jerky flavor from MTL Jerky: “Thanks Paul for another great taste review. Unfortunately, Stéphane being born in Quebec was unable to partake in this taste review. Hard to disagree with Paul here.”
Normally, I share the jerky with the Group of Seven, and others if possible. Six of the Group of Seven work with me, where I was distracted to bring the jerky to work on Friday. Friday’s and Tuesday’s are typically our taste review days. My apologies to MTL Jerky and the Group of Seven.
“This Diablo flavor is delicious tasting, and as an added bonus there is a good level of heat present 👍 Overall, a very well-balanced flavor that just works. Congratulations to Alex from MTL Jerky, you have a winner here with this unique distinctive tasting hot based flavor that is addictive as heck for us ‘heat freaks’! 🤘🤘”
A 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag sells online for $8.00. That works out to $3.20 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. Free shipping is offered on orders over $50.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This black, resealable bag has everything imprinted directly on the bag, both on the front and back. The skyline of Montreal is displayed.
The MTL Jerky slogan is “Le Boeuf Du Peuple (The People’s Beef)”. Some facts printed on this bag are “No Artificial Flavours”, “Low In Fat”, “Good Source of Protein”, and “Made in Canada”. Two stamps are displayed for “Gluten-Free” and “Ailments Préparés Au Québec (Quebec Grown Garlic)”
All bag categories are covered here. There is a decent blurb printed on the bag about this jerky. Their @mtljerky social media handle is provided for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. As per Canadian law French and English translations are provided for everything.
Excellent (10/10) – Bag Rating
Order their jerky online: www.mtljerky.com
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