Little Bit Jerky - Original Bit

Little Bit Jerky is a new brand that launched in February 2016, by Robert Helmcamp and Teresa Helmcamp, based out of Wichita Falls, TX.

Robert is a professional butcher of 22 years, learning the craft the "old school" way, and developed his own seasonings. Little Bit Jerky is made fresh daily from top round, and marinated for 18-24 hours.

This "Original Bit" is described by the company as their signature jerky, using a blend of Texas spices. The company says it, "...will leave a lasting impression on your taste pallet. A flavor the whole family can enjoy."

Ingredients

Beef, water, natural hickory wood smoke, vinegar, salt, onion, black pepper, crushed dark red chili, hydrolyzed soy & corn protein, tomato paste, corn syrup, raisin paste, crushed orange puree, caramel color, potassium sorbate, xanthan gum, celery seed, sugar, molasses, papain, citric acid, smoked paprika, cayenne, coriander, corn oil, dill

Review

The first flavors I taste are a smokiness and salt, along with a flavor reminiscent of soy sauce. The chewing brings on a black pepper, along with hints of dill. There's also a light sour flavor, and another flavor that reminds me of beef wieners.

For being described as the company's signature flavor, it's certainly a unique one. It's very complex, mostly salty, but definitely has a lot going on. It's spicy in that it's filled with spices, but not necessarily hot. It does, however, have some heat to it, enough to warrant a "mild medium" on my personal heat scale (level 2 out of 5).

I'd describe the primary taste profile as smoky and salty, with a vinegar tang, and a black pepper & onion spice. But it also has a dill component that brings in thoughts of pickles, yet also a flavor of hot dog wieners.

The meat consistency looks really good, mostly all meat, sliced into slabs of medium thickness. It's dry, but flexible, and manages to tear apart with light effort. The chewing starts out quite chewy and eventually softens up enough to feel like a well-done cooked steak.

Verdict

This Original Bit from Little Bit Jerky dishes out a complex flavor full of variety and spice. It comes off as salty, but there's a lot going on that it keeps me thinking throughout the chewing. It's actually a swash of Americana in the form of smoked beef, dill pickles, and hot dogs at a Texas county fair. There's nothing Asian, European, or African about this, it's classic red, white and blue in its old school best. If you can get past the saltiness, it's a lot like what jerky used to be in the old days.

Rating: Good (4/5)