Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Freedom Jerky - American Original

freedom jerky
Freedom Jerky was founded by creative producer Jonathan Chia and television actor Vincent "Rocco" Vargas, both combat veterans, in November 2017. The two were inspired to create a line of jerky whose sales benefited the team at War Horses for Veterans, a charity that helps wounded service men and women through experiences with horses.

"Healing those who have been in combat is not just an intention, it is our mission,” says Vargas. “We’ve created a great product to serve the best people we know. Freedom Jerky supports and hires veteran families with a focus on our community."

This "American Original" is described by the company as, "a special blend of spices in a unique marinade that has been refined to perfection over more than three decades", going on to explain that, "the result is a savory classic jerky with a well-balanced natural beef flavor; soft and tender decadence in every bite."


Ingredients

Beef, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Worcestershire sauce base, chili sauce, balsamic vinegar, seasoned rice vinegar, liquid smoke, spices.

Review

The first flavor I pick up is a savory sweet with a Worcestershire character. The chewing brings on some vinegar tanginess, along with a bit more defined Worcestershire. There's a light bit of heat in the background, but remains relatively mild. The natural meat flavors come out in the latter part of chewing.

For being the company's flagship flavor, and being described as a savory classic jerky with a well-balanced natural beef flavor, I'd say that fits the bill, but I think goes beyond classic. For something that's marketed as original and classic, it has a lively flavor, particularly through the vinegar, Worcestershire, and chili sauce. There's almost a fruity character without actually being fruity. It's largely tangy, and dances on the tongue.

Otherwise, the primary taste profile is that of Worcestershire sauce, but livened up significantly with a vinegar tanginess, a well-noted sweet, and just a touch of heat in the background. The natural meat flavors linger below, while the salt remains low. The mixing didn't go so well because here and there I get bursts of balsamic vinegar, and in others I get surges of chili sauce. But that's OK because I actually love those ingredient surprises.

The meat consistency is excellent. Very little stringy chewing, mostly all meat with just scant pieces of fat. It's largely easy to chew, and once chewed down, they feel like soft pieces of steak.

Verdict

This American Original variety from Freedom Jerky presents a very enjoyable chew, mixing together a well-balanced snack just like the company described. There's a lot of sweet, but also quite savory, saucy, tangy, yet remains low in saltiness. Add to that the relatively easy chewing, and its steak-like texture, it makes for a great jerky. On the other hand, I wouldn't consider this a classic, American jerky, because this is more tangy, lively, more soft and tender. It's more west coast than it is old west. But it is well-rounded, and therefore a great contender for a flagship jerky variety.

Rating: Best (5/5)


freedom jerky


freedom jerky


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