Climax Jerky was launched in 1999. Founder and owner Brooke Comai started the business that year by setting up a jerky stand on Fremont Pass in Colorado and they still sell roadside up there in the summers. Climax Jerky is a family-owned business specializing in all-natural, gourmet jerky products. They offer a diverse selection, including beef, buffalo, elk, and exotic varieties like wild boar, alligator, duck, venison, salmon, and turkey. Their jerky is crafted from whole-muscle cuts sourced from sustainable farms, ensuring products are free from hormones and antibiotics.
Climax Jerky emphasizes freshness and quality, delivering tender and flavorful options to customers seeking premium, protein-rich snacks. Their offerings are available for purchase through their website, providing convenient access to a range of jerky flavors and types. They also sell at Dillon, Vail, Breckenridge, and Steamboat farmers markets. This Climax Jerky jerky brand is distributed under the same name as Climax Jerky, located in Dillon, Colorado.
The first review on Climax Jerky will focus on a 1.75 ounce/50 gram bag of Original flavored elk jerky. This flavor is described as having a very mild game flavor. The bag was purchased online from Amazon.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Elk (made from solid pieces of Elk), Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Brown Sugar, Salt, Natural Flavorings. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
Elk meat is leaner and healthier compared to beef. The elk are raised ethically, meaning they are not administered growth hormones or additional antibiotics. They also have free range access to graze on grass, and roam about, just as nature intended. As a result, the ingredient rating starts at Excellent (10/10).
The liquid marinade is comprised of only an average brand of soy sauce.
The vague term natural flavorings is listed, which can contain healthy and unhealthy ingredients.
The sugar level is perfect at 0 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is high at 477g of salt per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or lower per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite added. Admirably, there is no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
CLIMAX JERKY – ORIGINAL ELK JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell next to nothing. The jerky is sliced to both a medium size and thickness. The jerky is dry and rigid, just like our forefathers intended. The jerky is of a darker hue, possibly due to it being elk, not sure, and it leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
When I bite into the jerky I immediately taste a very tasty level of salt, ditto the pepper, next to no sweetness, and I really love this mild garlic and onion.
While I could tell it was not quite beef, something different, I likely wouldn’t have thought of elk. Who knows. But I am really enjoying this flavor, which borders on “WOW”!! I really cannot find anything wrong with this flavor, therefore a 10/10 is very deserving. Kudos.
Here is what Mark had to say about this Original elk jerky flavor from Climax Jerky: “Thanks Paul for the honest review. I agree with everything stated. While the meat does not taste like beef, similar though, there is only a tiny hint of gaminess. Elk has a richer flavor compared to beef. The lack of sweetness is greatly appreciated, allowing the natural elk flavor to shine through.”
“The soy is at a mild to medium level, and the smokiness is noticeable at a light level in the background but does not seem consistent. The overall taste profile, while simple, is well balanced, where no flavor dominates other than the natural elk flavor itself. I could argue that there is a lack of ‘wow’ factor, but that is questionable with an original flavor, where the natural flavor of elk should be the star of the show. With Paul at a 10 and myself at a 9, an Excellent (10/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 1.75 ounce/50 gram bag of jerky is sold online for $12.95, which equates to $7.40 an ounce. That rates as an expensive price.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This plastic resealable bag has labels affixed to both the front and back. The Climax Jerky logo has some mountains in the background. This bag is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep jerky fresh tasting.
A slogan printed on this bag is “Reach Your Peak”. Some facts printed are “Natural Style”, “Summit County”, “Colorado, USA”, and “Hickory Smoked”.
Some missing bag categories are a best before date, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stamp, establishment number, a blurb about this jerky or flavor, the jerky weight not stated in grams, and allergen alerts. It appears that a lot number is provided, which can translate to a best before date.
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