The first review for Washington Wine Country Jerky will be on a 4 ounce/113 gram bag of their Cabernet flavored beef jerky. Their jerky is advertised as being naturally smoked for a unique West Coast flavor. This bag was graciously submitted for review by the owner, Glenn Loehr.
This Washington Wine Country Jerky brand is distributed by GJ Products. They are located in Clackamas, Oregon, and this jerky brand was launched in 2014. The parent jerky brand, Northwest Bierhaus, also carries Oregon and Washington Wine Country Jerky brands. Their jerky is thick cut with a soft and tender texture, and is marinated in wine or beer. It is advertised to use only natural ingredients, which is true.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Wine, Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Salt, Garlic, Onion, Black Pepper, Celery Powder. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
The beef used is guaranteed to be ethically raised, meaning free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. There is no guarantee that the cattle have at least partial free range access to graze on grass. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Very Good (9/10) rating.
The only liquids used in the marinade are a decent soy sauce, and Cabernet. Wine is known to be healthy if consumed in moderation.
Healthy vegetables garlic and onion are used. Black pepper is used, which some people call The King of Spices.
The sugar level is respectable at only 2 grams of sugar per 30 grams of jerky. The salt level is high at 420mg of salt per 30 grams of jerky. However, that is negated because Northwest sea salt is used, which is high on minerals and trace minerals.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is sea salt. Celery powder also acts as a preservative, with its naturally occurring nitrates.
Admirably, there is also no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips of jerky are mostly traditionally shaped, being narrow and long. As advertised, this jerky does qualify to be thick cut. This jerky does have a soft & tender texture, which is easy to chew despite the thickness. There are almost no signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves a light oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is a light level of the Cabernet wine, which has a dry taste absent of a fruitiness. As you consume more strips, the wine level slowly increases. The saltiness is at a mild level, as is the soy sauce.
With these thick soft & tender strips of jerky, there is a good amount of natural beef flavor. Light levels of garlic, onion, and black pepper prove to be great additions. While this is a tasty and pleasurable snack, nothing really stands out.
A 4 ounce/113 gram bag sells online for $11.00. That works out to $2.75 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. In fairness, Cabernet is not a cheap wine. This jerky reaches the trifecta being recommended from taste, ingredient, and price perspectives.
Bag Review
This narrow, clear plastic bag is not resealable, which is uncommon for a 4 ounce/113 gram bag. Worth noting is that this bag is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep jerky fresh. There is one label affixed to the front, and nothing on the back. There is a drawing of Washington wine country on the label.
Their slogan is “Made with Washington Wines”. The blurb displayed is “Hand-Crafted Beef Jerky Marinated in Washington Wines, Naturally Smoked for a Unique West Coast Flavor”.
There are a few bag categories missing such as allergen alerts, and the bag not being resealable.
Order their jerky online: www.northwestbierhausjerky.com
Leave a Comment