Denis Vandall, the inventor of the Western Survivor Beef Jerky product, came up with the idea of making his jerky when he was away for work. Denis worked for the construction sector of Ontario Hydro and was stationed in a power station near Windsor, Ontario. Denis would go across the border to the United States to a Jerky Outlet where he found a brand of jerky that wasn’t sweet and wasn’t smoked.
Denis began testing the waters, making his jerky as a hobby. He liked to marinate the jerky over a day, closer to 30 hours, to ensure that the flavour was entirely through the quarter inch thick piece of inside hip roast. Batch after batch, he would change the recipe slightly. This came from the help and feedback from his friends. Eventually, Denis ended up with a sugar free flavour packed piece of gourmet dehydrated steak. Once the recipe became slightly popular, Denis had the opportunity to make jerky for some hunters. This went exceptionally well, and the word spread quickly.
Mr. Vandall had two boys, Noel and Adam. The younger of the two boys, Adam, took to the jerky idea at a young age. When Adam graduated high school, he went to Mohawk College in Hamilton for Small Business Management and made a business plan for, at the time was ” the real deal beef jerky”. The accumulation of debt from attending college and living on his own left Adam no choice but to work hourly for employers until he could have a financial situation strong enough to attempt being a Beef Jerky Guru.
In 1988, Denis made the recipe. He showed Adam how to make jerky in 1992. Adam made it periodically on and off for hunters, friends, and special occasions. A day came when Adam was a Service Manager and RV Technician at a camper trailer dealership that told him it was time to leave and pursue a new career. Adam then sold some assets and hobby toys to invest in things to make beef jerky legally instead of just as a hobby. The Western Survivor Beef Jerky brand name is distributed by Adams Premium Snack Foods, and it is located in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada.
The first review on Western Survivor Beef Jerky will focus on a 1.6 ounce/45 gram bag of their Original flavoured beef jerky. This bag was purchased at a gas station in Haggersville, Ontario, Canada.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Sugars (Sugar, Glucose), Salt, Garlic, Spices, Cultured Dextrose, Glucono Delta Lactone, Potassium Chloride, Spice Extracts, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite, Smoke. Allergen Warnings: Soy
The cattle are guaranteed to have partial free range access to graze on grass. The cattle are also ethically raised, meaning that the cows received no growth hormones or additional antibiotics. As a result, the ingredient rating starts at a Very Good (9/10) rating.
There is no liquid marinade. Some people would call this old fashioned jerky or a jerky rub.
Some healthy ingredients added are garlic, spices, and spice extracts.
The sugar level is perfect at 0 grams of sugar per 45 grams of jerky. The salt level is acceptable at 430mg of salt per 45 grams of jerky.
This jerky does not qualify to have no sodium nitrite added as sodium nitrite is used outright along with sodium erythorbate as preservatives to lose a rating. This jerky does not qualify to have no MSG added, as the highly processed, cheap flavor enhancer hydrolyzed soy protein is used to lose another rating.
Alright (6/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
WESTERN SURVIVOR BEEF JERKY – ORIGINAL BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell soy. The piece is large in size and it is medium in thickness. The jerky is dry and chewy, just the way our forefathers intended.
When I bite into the jerky is when the delectable journey begins. I am met with succulent levels of salt, pepper, and natural beef. I detect lighter flavours of garlic and onion, along with soy. There is minimum sweetness, and the salt and pepper flavours carry the day. This jerky is quite bloody tasty, and it is better than advertised. Usually, an original flavoured jerky comes with only some of these bold flavours.
I find nothing wrong and everything right with this flavour of jerky, and therefore am honouring it the best way I know how with a resounding 10/10. I believe I am also picking up on a mild “kick” to this jerky. All the more reason to give it an absolute 10/10. Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
This Western Survivor Beef Jerky Original is incredible and a delicious treat. There is a multitude of great flavours. The natural beef is well complemented with a subtle taste of soy and a tiny kick of cracked black pepper, a slight splash of sourness, a veil of smokiness, and a little kiss of spiciness. The flavor profile has depth and richness, and the texture and aroma are fantastic.
The Western Survivor Beef Jerky Original is a little gem, and it hits the spot, especially after the last jerky I tasted. I really enjoyed this jerky and find a little addictive element to it. It’s a 10/10 Taste Rating. Godspeed!
Here is what Mark had to say about this Original beef jerky flavour from Western Survivor Beef Jerky: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane for the glowing taste reviews. It’s hard to argue with either of you. True in that this jerky has an addictive element. No liquid marinade is used, and this jerky has minimal sweetness. The texture is an old fashioned dry and somewhat tough, just the way we like it. There is not much to add. It is a unanimous Excellent (10/10) taste rating. A very enthusiastic two thumbs up!!👍👍”
This 1.6 ounce/45 gram bag of jerky cost $7.00. That works out to $4.38 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This non-resealable plastic bag has a label affixed to both the front and back. The Western Survivor Beef Jerky logo depicts a cowboy riding a horse.
Some slogans printed are “Original Family Recipe Since 1988” and “Our Gourmet Family Recipe”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Very High in Protein” and “Ready to Eat”.
The only missing bag category is a blurb about the jerky or flavour. As per Canadian law, French translations are provided. To the credit of Western Survivor Beef Jerky, a phone number is provided for customer inquiries.
Leave a Comment