The first review for Crazy Mike’s Beef Jerky will focus on a 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag of their black pepper flavored beef jerky. This handcrafted natural hickory smoked peppered beef jerky is described as being in a vacuum sealed inner pouch to lock in that Crazy Good freshness! The jerky was kindly submitted for review by the owner, Mike Merwin.
This Crazy Mike’s Jerky brand name is located in Altamont, New York, and is distributed under the name of Crazy Mike’s Beef Jerky Company, LLC. The “Crazy” in Mike’s name was dubbed by his friends due to his extreme zest for life. Mike spent 21 years in the US Navy. The first half was in nuclear submarines, and the second half in full-time reserve management. The jerky aspect started in 1994, due to being frustrated on what jerky was currently available to re-fuel his body after marathons and triathlon workouts. Mike started making homemade jerky, and after a while he considered himself a “Jerkyologist”. In May 2017, the Crazy Mike’s Beef Jerky brand name was officially launched. As stated on the bag, hand-crafting jerky is Mike’s game, and he is obviously very passionate about making jerky.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: USDA Choice Eye Round Beef, Marinade (Water, Wheat Gluten, Sugar, Salt, Soybean, Caramel Coloring, Preservatives Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate), Ginger, Garlic. 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. With peppercorns used, some people consider black pepper to be 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. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is salt. Commendably, there is no MSG added.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips of jerky are medium in size, and are sliced thick. The texture is almost classified as soft and tender, being easy to chew. You get the feeling that each strip of jerky was hand-crafted to perfection. There are no signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
It does not take long at all for a great peppered level to develop. After a while, the peppered level gets borderline intense tasting. Mixed in are a light level of garlic, a mild level of soy, and a mild level of saltiness.
In the background, there is a smoked flavor that compliments the flavor nicely. With only a light level of sweetness, there is a good deal of natural beef flavor present. Overall, this flavor absolutely delivers on bringing a great peppered flavor, and tastes like more.
A 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag sells online for $8.99. That works out to $3.60 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. Free shipping is offered. This flavor is certainly recommended to any black pepper lovers out there.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This resealable bag has everything printed on the bag itself, both on the front and back. There is a sticker attached to the front to indicate that this is a Peppered flavor. This jerky is enclosed in a vacuum sealed bag, the best way to keep jerky fresh tasting. The Crazy Mike’s Beef Jerky logo is the head of Mike himself.
A slogan printed on this bag is “It’s not good, it’s… Crazy Good!”. There are a number of facts printed on the bag such as “Made from solid pieces of USDA Choice EYE ROUND Beef”, “Hand-Crafted to Perfection”, “Naturally Smoked”, “High Protein”, “2 grams of Carbs per serving”, “Great Paleo Snack”, “Post-Workout Fuel”, “USA Veteran Owned Business”, and “Made in the USA”.
The only minor bag category missing is the jerky weight not stated in grams. There is a great blurb printed on the back about Crazy Mike’s Jerky. You are encouraged to follow their @crazymikesjerky handle on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Order their jerky online: www.crazymikesjerky.com
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