Established in 2013, Smokehouse Jerky Co. has grown significantly over the past decade, becoming a leading private label provider for over 150 jerky and snack companies. Franco and Patti Fonseca assumed company ownership in 2017 and have since been dedicated to refining their jerky and snack lines. Smokehouse Jerky Co. actively seeks new distributors nationwide and also offers private label services.
With a diverse product range, Smokehouse Jerky Co. presents an array of options, including beef, bacon, game, and exotic jerky, as well as meat sticks. The brand is distributed by Smokehouse Jerky Co., which is headquartered in Hemet, California.
The next review on Smokehouse Jerky Co. will focus on a 3.2 ounce/92 gram bag of their Peppered flavored venison jerky. This flavor is described as being seasoned with a blend of savory spices and packs a flavorful punch that will leave your taste buds begging for more. The jerky was graciously submitted for review by co-owner Franco Fonseca.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Venison, Vinegar, Brown Cane Sugar, Salt, Smoke Flavoring, Spices, Soy Sauce (Water, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Salt, Molasses, Caramel Color, Sodium Benzoate), Natural Flavor. Allergen Warnings: Soy
Venison meat is leaner and healthier compared to beef. The venison is raised ethically, meaning they are not administered growth hormones or additional antibiotics. They also have some free range access to graze on grass, and roam about, just the way nature intended. As a result, the ingredient rating starts at Excellent (10/10).
The only healthy ingredient added is spices. The vague term natural flavor is a listed ingredient, which may include healthy or unhealthy ingredients.
The sugar level is low at 1 grams of sugar per 28 grams of venison jerky. The salt level is acceptable at 310mg of salt per 28 grams of venison jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Admirably, this flavor does qualify to have no MSG added.
Excellent (10/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
SMOKEHOUSE JERKY CO. – PEPPERED VENISON JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell soy, and not much else. The jerky is generally smallish in size and is thin. The jerky is dry yet easy to chew. It leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first flavors that jump out at me are salt and especially pepper. There is mild sweet and mild garlic. I also detect natural beef, along with a slight tang. Not sure where the slight tang is coming from. Is it the vinegar?
As I consume more pieces I am picking up on (especially) the peppered flavor, just as advertised. It has rightfully taken the front seat in this jerky flavor, precisely as it should be.
I can’t say that I am picking up the difference in the venison as opposed to regular beef, but I don’t believe that to be the fault of the jerky maker.
Overall, this jerky is quite tasty, with me being an ardent fan of peppered jerky. It is coming across exactly as it should. I am not giving it a 10 because it is lacking in the “Wow!!” factor. So, a well-deserved 9/10 in my opinion. Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
This Smokehouse Jerky Co. – Peppered Venison Jerky is delicious. I appreciate that the seasoning is mild and not overdone. The soy sauce and smokiness are present and at a respectable level knowing the delicate flavor of the meat. The aroma and texture are also delightful. I am not tasting any gaminess, which is likely due to the animals being farm raised. The black pepper is subtle initially and keeps dialing up with each bite.
I really enjoy and appreciate this jerky, and I can only find good things. Smokehouse Jerky Co. did a fantastic job with this jerky, as they respected the animal and its meat far as I can tell, which is a big plus in my book. I rate this jerky an easy and well deserved 10/10 Taste Rating. Godspeed!
Here is what Mark had to say about this Peppered venison jerky flavor from Smokehouse Jerky Co.: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane for the detailed taste reviews. Both of your reviews are bang on. I was hoping to detect the taste of venison more so that I got. There is zero gaminess flavor present, a testament to the deer being farm raised. While not quite a complaint, I would have liked to see the jerky strips cut thicker, where maybe the taste of venison may have been more prevalent.”
“As noted by Stéphane, the black pepper starts as subtle but after chewing a couple of strips, the black pepper taste rightfully comes to the forefront. Not in any way a cracked black pepper flavor, but a black pepper powder taste. Yes Paul, there is a good tang from vinegar, and I too found a lack of ‘wow’ factor. With Stéphane at a 10 rating and Paul and me at a 9 rating, a Very Good (9/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 3.2 ounce/91 gram bag of venison jerky sells online for $13.99. That costs $4.37 an ounce, which rates as an average price.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This non-resealable plastic bag has a label affixed to both the front and back. The label has a fairly detailed picture of a wooden shack with a “Smokehouse” sign. This bag is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep jerky fresh tasting.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. The only fact printed on this bag is “Made in U.S.A.”.
The only missing bag category is a best before date. A batch number is provided, which could translate to a best before date. Admirably, a phone number is provided for customer inquiries.
Order their jerky online: www.smokehousejerkyco.com
Leave a Comment