Chops Beef Jerky - Red Chili Pepper

Chops Beef Jerky is a brand owned by Chops Snacks, Inc. based out of New Haven, CT. The company was started in June 2016 by two recent Yale University undergraduates, Luke Sellers and Aaron Jones, along with food industry veteran Dusty Jaquins.

The company claims their jerky is made from 100% USDA Choice and Select beef brisket, sourced from cattle within the United States. They use no MSG, no nitrites, and no artificial preservatives. Their jerky is labeled as "all natural" and "exceptionally tender", while their website further claims to be gluten-free.

This Red Chili Pepper is described by Chops as, "How about some heat?" It goes on to say that this is for "jerky lovers that crave spicy flavors packed with heat", and that it's for, "the most diehard of spice lovers".


Ingredients

Beef brisket, low sodium gluten-free Tamari Sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice concentrate, granulated garlic, crushed red pepper, black pepper, ginger

Review

The first flavors that hit my tongue is a significant sweet, along with a light salt and a touch of pineapple. The chewing brings on a light soy sauce, some tanginess, and notes of garlic and ginger. There's a light spiciness in the background.

As for being a Red Chili Pepper beef jerky, it's not bad. There is a moderate level of heat that comes out of this, but nothing major. I'd rate the heat as "medium" on our heat scale (level 3 out of 5). There is even less red chili pepper flavor. Considering the company claims this jerky is for, "the most diehard of spice lovers", it's disappointing. Actual "diehard" spice lovers would find this as child's play and wonder what all the hype is about.

Otherwise, the primary taste profile is a dominant sweet, with a moderate salt and a light soy sauce. There's a light tanginess in the background with notes of fruit, garlic, and touches of red chile pepper.

The meat consistency is great for a brisket cut jerky. Compared to other brands boasting brisket cuts, this is very meaty, perhaps offering more meat and less fat and stringiness. It's also quite tender as the package claims. It's very easy to chew, lending itself to greater snackability and the urge to eat more. It takes on a chewing texture much like a filet-mignon cooked medium-rare.

Verdict

This Red Chili Pepper beef jerky from Chops offers a light red chili pepper flavor with a low to moderate level of spiciness. It's a decent amount of red chiles, just enough to add a moderate spice and flavor against a heavier sweet profile. But considering the company's description as being formulated for "diehard spice lovers", it's off the mark. This is rather mild for people who are addicted to spicy foods. But on its own merits, it's probably the best tasting of Chops' line of jerky varieties. It's very tender and moist, and offers a nice fruity tanginess with a more toned down salt than the company's, Sweet & Spicy variety.

Rating: Good (4/5)