Friday, June 2, 2023

Bakke Brothers Brand Jerky - Teriyaki

bakke brothers brand jerky
Bakke Brothers Brand is owned by Whiskey Hill Smokehouse, LLC based out of Hubbard, OR. Whiskey Hill also owns The Jerky Hut, as well as its own house brand, Whiskey Hill Smokehouse.

Bakke Brothers was started by Phil Bakke, one of Whiskey Hill's founders. The brand differs from The Jerky Hut in that it's free of preservatives such as sodium nitrite, sodium erythorbate, et al, and it's also gluten-free.

This Teriyaki Beef Jerky is marketed as, "Gluten Free", "No MSG", and "No Nitrates", and other than that, is simple marked, "Teriyaki".

Monday, May 29, 2023

Tong Jerky - Sriracha Style BBQ

tong jerky
Tong Jerky is a brand that launched in 2018 by two buddies attending college in Los Angeles. They originally discovered biltong, the South African dried meat snack. They came up with the idea of creating a beef jerky based on the biltong recipe, and Tong Jerky was born.

After several years of perfecting recipes, they finally launched the company and started selling online. Their jerky can also be found in a handful of stores across Los Angeles.

This Sriracha Style BBQ is described by the company as, "for those like it a bit hotter", going on to say that it's a, "perfect combination of classic BBQ sauce with a spicy chili twist".

Friday, May 26, 2023

Jerky's Gourmet - Craft Beer

jerkys gourmet
Jerky's Gourmet is a new brand of jerky, founded by Tim Gerstman and Andria Taylor, based out of San Diego, CA. Gerstman, who transplated to San Diego from the East Coast 8 years ago, met Andria who also happened to love beef jerky. The two joined forces and launched Jerky's Gourmet.

The pair can be found at farmers markets across the San Diego area doling out taste samples. Their jerky is also sold at various stores and shops across town, and also sell from their website.

This "Craft Beer" jerky is part of their "Top Shelf Line" of alcohol-infused jerky, and was inspired by San Diego's love of craft beer. According to Jerky's Gourmet, "It packs a bold punch of traditional spices and, of course, lots of premium beer. We use the best domestic pale ale in our marinade to bring the on-tap flavor of hops and barley that will make your mouth water!"

Monday, May 22, 2023

The Jerky Hut - Hot Golden Nuggets

the jerky hut
The Jerky Hut is a brand of Whiskey Hill Smokehouse, LLC based out of Hubbard, OR. The brand which is often seen at boat shows, gun shows, car shows, and trade shows of every kind, was started over 30 years ago.

Much of its jerky is sold through independent "retail licensees", who are the folks running the booths at the shows. It's parent company, Whiskey Hill Smokehouse, runs its own USDA inspected facility. The Jerky Hut is also sold online through its own website.

This "Hot Golden Nuggets" is actually a spicier version of its already popular "Sweet Golden Nuggets" we reviewed previously. The company goes on to say that it's, "spicy but not real hot".

Friday, May 19, 2023

Whiskey Hill Smokehouse - Whiskey BBQ Jerky

whiskey hill smokehouse
Whiskey Hill Smokehouse is a brand owned and operated by Whiskey Hill Smokehouse, LLC, based out of Hubbard, OR. The company also owns The Jerky Hut brand of jerky, along with Bakke Brothers Brand.

According to the company, the Whiskey Hill Smokehouse brand focuses on exotic meats and more exotic recipes than The Jerky Hut and the Bakke Brothers lines. It also focuses on all natural ingredients and its jerky varieties are all marked as "Gluten Free".

This "Whiskey BBQ" is part of a series of alcohol-infused jerky varieties recently launched by Whiskey Hill Smokehouse. Others include Maple Bourbon, and Saki-Teriyaki. The package is marked, "Gluten Free".

Monday, May 15, 2023

TJ Morgan's Beef Jerky - Tropical Garlic Teriyaki


TJ Morgan's Beef Jerky is a new brand based out of Hamburg, NY. It was started by "Chef Tim" who had studied at the Culinary Institute of America and spent 30+ years in the food and restaurant industry.

The brand started out as a line of seasonings and then later expanded into beef jerky. TJ Morgan's now carries eight (8) different flavors of jerky, all made with Chef Tim's famous blends of spices.

This Tropical Garlic Teriyaki is apparently of Chef Tim's best sellers. It's described as an, "array of blends, sugars, citrus, and spices", and goes on to invite you to, "wander and explore greatness".

Friday, May 12, 2023

Chef Craig's Beef Jerky - Original

chef craigs jerky
One the newest jerky brands on the market is Chef Craig's Beef Jerky. A product of CJM Products, it's based out of West Kingston, RI.

It's the idea of Craig Mitchell, who a few years ago, had sent me samples of his own homemade jerky, with the intent of launching a business someday. Mitchell received his Culinary Arts degree from Johnson & Wales University, and has been cooking professionally since 1978.

As of this review, the only flavor Chef Craig's offers is this Original.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Freedom Jerky - Tactical Teriyaki

freedom jerky
Freedom Jerky was founded in November 2017 by creative producer Jonathan Chia and television actor Vincent "Rocco" Vargas, both combat veterans. 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 "Tactical Teriyaki" is the company's most popular variety, describing it as both "sweet and savory".

Monday, May 8, 2023

Rickey's Jerky Review - Teriyaki

Rickey's Jerky is a brand based out of Livingston, TX. It was started in 2014 by Ryan Rickey who began selling strips of chew in farmers markets in the Portland, OR area. 

As his success grew, he brought his wife into the business, and eventually his brother. Since then, he's added sales reps in Texas, Florida, and Arizona. 

According to the company's website, their jerky is all hand made at a USDA-inspected facility in Oregon. According to Rickey, his secret to great jerky is simple, "marinate it, smoke it, and package it." This Teriyaki variety is described by Rickey as being gluten free, made from 100% American beef, and using only natural ingredients.

Friday, May 5, 2023

Bakke Brothers Brand - Garlic Lovers Beef Jerky

bakke brothers jerky
Bakke Brothers Brand is owned by Whiskey Hill Smokehouse, LLC based out of Hubbard, OR. Whiskey Hill also owns The Jerky Hut, as well as its own house brand, Whiskey Hill Smokehouse.

Bakke Brothers differs from The Jerky Hut in that it's free of preservatives such as sodium nitrite, sodium erythorbate, et al, and it's also gluten-free.

This "Garlic Lovers" appears to be one of the brand's best sellers based on reviews.

Monday, May 1, 2023

All American Jerky - Snack Sticks

all american jerky
All American Jerky is a brand of Schmidt Family Farm Products, LLC, based out of St. Louis, MO. The brand got started in 2014 after its founer, Richard Schmidt decided to extend his cattle business to meat snacks.

Originally, Schmidt spent 25+ years in the restaurant & catering business before retiring in 2007. He bought a farm just outside of St. Louis to raise a family and decided to raise some cattle as a hobby. Before he knew it, he was selling all-natural, grass-fed beef to local restaurants. That's when he decided to get into meat snacks. Initially, Schmidt started off with beef jerky, but chose to focus on pork-based meat sticks instead.

These snack sticks are made from 100% USA pork and produced at a USDA inspected facility. A portion of their profits goes to H.E.R.O.E.S Care, a non-profit that benefits troops and their families.

Friday, April 28, 2023

Jerky's Gourmet - Ghost Pepper

jerkys gourmet
Jerky's Gourmet is a new brand of jerky, founded by Tim Gerstman and Andria Taylor, based out of San Diego, CA. Gerstman, who transplated to San Diego from the East Coast 8 years ago, met Andria who also happened to love beef jerky. The two joined forces and launched Jerky's Gourmet.

Their jerky is sold at various shops, bars, and venues across the San Diego area. However the two can be found at the Little Italy Farmers Market on Saturdays, doling out samples of their jerky.

This Ghost Pepper jerky is described as being "soy free" and "gluten free", and is balanced "with subtle hints of honey and pineapple".

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Coppernose Jerky - Smokey

coppernose jerky
Coppernose Jerky is a new brand that launched in the Summer of 2015. Based out of the Oxfordshire town of Burford, in England, Coppernose was founded by Liam Derry.

Liam was working on a degree at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester when the idea for Coppernose came about. Coppernose today is a run by Liam and his family. They use ethically sourced, 100% grass fed, British beef, allowing them to trace their meats all the way back to the farm. They use sliverside cuts, in long strips, and then marinated for 12 hours before dehydration. Coppernose Jerky is sold in small shops and outdoor markets throughout England, as well as from its website.

This "Smokey" variety is simply described as, "A taste of mesquite, which is sublime..."

Monday, April 24, 2023

Astro Fresh Jerky - Milky Way BBQ

astro fresh jerky
Astro Fresh Jerky is a brand owned by HJP Trading, LLC based out of Los Angeles, CA. It was started by Roy Park in early 2015 who found an old family recipe that dated back to the late 1980s.

Since then, Roy has been selling his jerky in local markets and retailers in California. Recently they started a website and are now taking online orders.

This Milky Way BBQ is different from the company's Whiskey BBQ in that it does not contain whiskey, but adds honey instead.

Friday, April 21, 2023

Whiskey Hill Smokehouse - Venison Jerky

whiskey hill smokehouse
Whiskey Hill Smokehouse is a brand owned and operated by Whiskey Hill Smokehouse, LLC, based out of Hubbard, OR. The company also owns The Jerky Hut brand of jerky, along with Bakke Brothers Brand.

According to the company, the Whiskey Hill Smokehouse brand focuses on exotic meats and more exotic recipes than The Jerky Hut and the Bakke Brothers lines. It also focuses on all natural ingredients and its jerky varieties are all marked as "Gluten Free".

Whiskey Hill Smokehouse says this Venison Jerky has , "No wild taste", and goes on to describe the flavor as, "Just a hint of tang with a little Black Pepper", and says the meat comes from, "slices of premium, tender VENISON prime steak".

Monday, April 17, 2023

Crockett Creek Beef Jerky - Original

crockett creek beef jerky
Crockett Creek Beef Jerky is a brand owned by Magnolia Provision Company, Inc., based out of Knoxville, TN. The brand has been around since 1994.

Magnolia Provisions is also well known as a beef jerky co-packer, making jerky for many other companies. They also produce steaks, chops, patties, and other cuts of beef for retail.

This Original beef jerky is described by the company as having, "the perfect balance in texture. It's moist and chewy and lightly marinated."

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Jamie's Jerky - Beef

jamies jerky
Jamie's Jerky is the creation of Jamie Watt and his daughter Sasa Watt, based out of Crested Butte, CO. The Watts have been making jerky as a hobby for themselves and their friends for 35 years. They were getting so many requests that they finally decided to make it a business.

Jamie's Jerky claims to strive for "sustainable jerky", using only grass-fed beef and all natural turkey, with no hormones and antibiotics. It's also gluten-free. The company has won Gold Medals two years running at the Crested Butte "Annual Jerky-Off", fielding unamimous decisions both times.

This beef jerky is said to be made from "Paso Prime Beef", a California-raised grass-fed beef.

Monday, April 10, 2023

California Wine Country Jerky - Hot Cabernet

california wine country jerky
California Wine Country Jerky is a brand owned by GJ Products, based out of Clackamas, OR. It's run by Glenn Loehr who started it in 2015.

The company also owns, "Northwest Bierhaus Jerky", "Oregon Wine Country Jerky" and "Washington Wine Country Jerky". Together, these brands infuse the flavors of craft beer and wine from the Pacific Northwest, and target the tourist and gift basket markets.

This, "Hot Cabernet Beef Jerky" is described by the company as combining, "the well structured wine with a hint of spiciness".

Friday, April 7, 2023

Bakke Brothers Brand - Teriyaki Snackin' Sticks

bakke brothers brand jerky
Bakke Brothers Brand is owned by Whiskey Hill Smokehouse, LLC based out of Hubbard, OR. Whiskey Hill also owns The Jerky Hut, as well as its own house brand, Whiskey Hill Smokehouse.

Bakke Brothers was started by Phil Bakke, one of Whiskey Hill's founders. The brand differs from The Jerky Hut in that it's free of preservatives such as sodium nitrite, sodium erythorbate, et al, and it's also gluten-free.

These "Teriyaki Snackin' Sticks" are made with the company's own teriyaki marinade and are marketed towards meat snackers who crave a sweeter, milder, chew.

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Country Archer Jerky - Mango Habanero

country archer jerky
Country Archer Jerky is a well known brand in the meat snack industry, going back to 1977 when it became the private labeler for hundreds of brands over the decades. Now based in San Bernardino, CA, the company is leveraging its own brand and pushing its own line of jerky into stores across the country.

As the jerky market has migrated towards preservative-free, natural ingredients, so has Country Archer. The company claims it's jerky is handcrafted, made in small batches, using all natural ingredients.

This Mango Habanero flavor is described as a being, "...a sweeter, more sophisticated way to spice things up."

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Northwest Bierhaus Jerky - Hot IPA

northwest bierhaus jerky
Northwest Bierhaus Jerky is a brand owned by GJ Products, based out of Clackamas, OR. It's run by Glenn Loehr who started it in 2015.

The company also owns, "Oregon Wine Country Jerky". Together, the two brands infuse the flavors of craft beer and wine from the Pacific Northwest, and target the tourist and gift basket markets.

This, "Hot IPA" variety is described by the company as blending the, "bold aroma of bitter, flavorful IPA beer with the spicy WOW of premium cut beef".

Monday, March 27, 2023

Counry Archer - Turkey Jerky Hickory Smoke

country archer jerky
Country Archer recently introduced some new flavors, including this "Hickory Smoke Turkey Jerky".

Country Archer is a well known brand in the meat snack industry, going back to 1977 when it became the private labeler for hundreds of brands over the decades. Now based in San Bernardino, CA, the company is leveraging its own brand and pushing its own line of jerky into stores across the country.

This Hickory Smoke is described as being made from turkey breast meat and real smoke flavor.

Friday, March 24, 2023

Jeff's Famous Jerky - Sriracha Style Black Pepper Bacon Jerky

jeffs famous jerky
Sriracha Style Black Pepper is the newest bacon jerky creation from the folks at Jeff's Famous Jerky. Read our previous reviews of Jeff's Famous Jerky.

Jeff's Famous Jerky officially opened for business in 2010 and is owned and operated by Jeff's Famous Foods, Inc., led by founder Jeff Richards and CFO Mike Aggarwal, out of Mission Viejo, CA. The company offers eleven flavors of jerky and four flavors of bacon jerky, along with one chicken jerky variety.

This Sriracha Style Black Pepper is described on the packaging as "Honey glazed sweet heat decadence" and is the first jerky from Jeff's Famous to include the popular asian-style hot sauce.

Monday, March 20, 2023

Washington Wine Country Jerky - Cabernet

washington wine country jerky
Washington Wine Country Jerky is a brand owned by GJ Products, based out of Clackamas, OR. It's run by Glenn Loehr who started it in 2015.

The company also owns, "Northwest Bierhaus Jerky". Together, the two brands infuse the flavors of craft beer and wine from the Pacific Northwest, and target the tourist and gift basket markets.

This, "Cabernet Beef Jerky" is described by the company as being marinated in the "King of Wines", to create a, "...distinctive flavor and smooth finish".

Friday, March 17, 2023

Whiskey Hill Smokehouse - Gator Jerky

whiskey hill smokehouse
Whiskey Hill Smokehouse is a brand owned and operated by Whiskey Hill Smokehouse, LLC, based out of Hubbard, OR. The company also owns The Jerky Hut brand of jerky, along with Bakke Brothers Brand.

According to the company, the Whiskey Hill Smokehouse brand focuses on exotic meats and more exotic recipes than The Jerky Hut and the Bakke Brothers lines. It also focuses on all natural ingredients and its jerky varieties are all marked as "Gluten Free".

Whiskey Hill Smokehouse doesn't make any marketing claims on this Gator Jerky aside from being low fat, high protein, and that it "tastes like chicken".

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Country Archer - Turkey Jerky Honey Dijon

country archer jerky
Country Archer recently introduced some new flavors, including this "Hickory Smoke Turkey Jerky".

Country Archer is a well known brand in the meat snack industry, going back to 1977 when it became the private labeler for hundreds of brands over the decades. Now based in San Bernardino, CA, the company is leveraging its own brand and pushing its own line of jerky into stores across the country.

This Honey Dijon Turkey Jerky is described as being made from turkey breast meat, "sophisticated flavor, and nothing frou-frou".

Monday, March 13, 2023

Red Truck Beef Jerky - Old Bay Seasoning

old bay beef jerky
Red Truck Beef Jerky is a brand of Red Truck Beef Jerky, LLC, based out of St. Petersburg, FL. According to the company, they've been doing business for over 15 years.

This Old Bay-branded variety is an officially licensed product made with the famous seafood seasoning.

Red Truck Beef Jerky currently ships their jerky to Cracker Barrel, MAPCO Express, Lowes Foods, Schnucks Markets, Western Convenience Stores, and Green Top Sporting Goods.

We previously reviewed their Original and Teriyaki flavors back in 2014.

Monday, March 6, 2023

Oregon Wine Country Jerky - Pinot Noir

oregon wine country jerky
Oregon Wine Country Jerky is a brand owned by GJ Products, based out of Clackamas, OR. It's run by Glenn Loehr who started it in 2015.

The company also owns, "Northwest Bierhaus Jerky". Together, the two brands infuse the flavors of craft beer and wine from the Pacific Northwest, and target the tourist and gift basket markets.

This, "Pinot Noir Beef Jerky" is described by the company as blending the complex flavor of pinot noir wine to create a, "...subtle yet powerful flavor of this one of a kind beef jerky".

Friday, March 3, 2023

Bakke Brothers Brand - Wild Game Snack Sticks

bakke brothers brand
Bakke Brothers Brand is owned by Whiskey Hill Smokehouse, LLC based out of Hubbard, OR. Whiskey Hill also owns The Jerky Hut, as well as its own house brand, Whiskey Hill Smokehouse.

Bakke Brothers was started by Phil Bakke, one of Whiskey Hill'founders. The brand differs from The Jerky Hut in that it's free of preservatives such as sodium nitrite, sodium erythorbate, et al, and it's also gluten-free.

These Wild Game Snack Sticks are is marketed as, "Super Lean", "Naturally Wood Smoked", and are made from a blend of Bison and Elk.

Monday, February 27, 2023

Jerky By Art - Hot & Spicy Teriyaki

jerky by art
Jerky by Art was established by Arthur Sandoval in 2004, based out of Albuquerque, NM.

As an iron worker, Art started making carne seca (Mexican-style jerky) at home for his own pleasure. He would take some to work and sell it to co-workers. He was selling so much of it, that he bought more dehydrators. Before he knew it, he was producing jerky all day and night. And thus became, Jerky by Art.

This Hot & Spicy Teriyaki variety is marketed as "a sweet taste that just might bite ya back!".

Monday, February 20, 2023

Joe's Wicked Good Jerky - Peppered

joes wicked good jerky
Joe's Wicked Good Beef Jerky is a brand owned by Joe's Wicked Good Jerky Corporation, based out of Redding, CA. It was started by the husband and wife duo of Joe Nixt and Traci Nixt, who launched the brand in October 2014.

At the time, Joe had been making his own jerky for over 20 years. He's shared it with friends and co-workers from his contracting business. When Traci lost her secretarial position, the couple decided to make a go at running a jerky company.

This "Peppered" is described by the company as simply, "...sweet with a peppery taste..."

Friday, February 17, 2023

Bakke Brothers Brand Jerky - Ghost Peppered

bakke brothers brand jerky
Bakke Brothers Brand is owned by Whiskey Hill Smokehouse, LLC based out of Hubbard, OR. Whiskey Hill also owns The Jerky Hut, as well as its own house brand, Whiskey Hill Smokehouse.

Bakke Brothers was started by Phil Bakke, one of Whiskey Hill's founders. The brand differs from The Jerky Hut in that it's free of preservatives such as sodium nitrite, sodium erythorbate, et al, and it's also gluten-free.

This Ghost Peppered Beef Jerky is marketed as, "Gluten Free", "No MSG", and "No Nitrates", going on to say that it is, "if you like it hot, this one is for you".

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Tony's Killer Elk Jerky - Peppered

tony's killer elk jerky
Tony's Killer Elk Jerky is a brand of Beaver Mountain Distributors, based out of Beaver, UT. We actually reviewed this brand back in 2010, under the name "Tony's Killer Beef Jerky".

The "Tony's Killer" brand is not sold online, but in small, independent shops and roadside stands throughout the back country of the United States. The jerky itself is actually manufactured by a co-packer named, Springville Meat Company in Springville, UT.

We found this particular package of Peppered Elk Jerky, as well as another package of their Teriyaki Venison, at a local market in Soldotna, Alaska, during a recent trip.

Monday, February 13, 2023

4 Seasons Jerky - Sweet Mesquite Habanero

4 seasons jerky
4 Seasons Jerky is a new brand that hit the market late in 2016. Launched by a guy named, "Thom", short for Thomas, the company is based out of Highland, CA. Thom is an avid outdoorsman, and is outside all year-round, hiking, boating, snowboarding, to name a few.

4 Seasons Jerky uses lean round or flank cuts of meat, marinated for 24 hours.

This Sweet Mesquite Habanero Beef Jerky is described by the company simply as, "The fiery spice of Habanero Peppers mingled with sweet mesquite flavorings combines with lean cuts of beef to form a taste of backyard BBQ right inside a bag!"

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Humboldt's Best Beef Jerky - Original

humboldt's best beef jerky
Humboldt's Best Beef Jerky is a brand owned by Robert's Distributing, based out of Fortuna, CA. It's one of those brands you typically find inside a convenience store/gas station located in the middle of nowhere along the Interstate.

This brand doesn't have a website where you can buy online. We found this at a Shell gas station in Garberville, CA, and I'm sure you can probably find it in other venues throughout Humboldt County, CA.

The packaging doesn't make any claims or promises on what this jerky tastes like, nor anything on what it offers.

Monday, February 6, 2023

Gentlemen's Beef Jerky - Lemon & Herb

gentlemen's beef jerky
Gentlemen's Beef Jerky is a new brand launched by Chef Shehu Fitzgerald, based out of Staten Island, NY. Chef Shehu gained famed after winning it all on Season Seven of Food Network, "Chopped". He went on to compete on "Chopped Champs" and on ABC's, "The Taste".

The celebrated culinary master spent over 20 years at high profile restaurants including the Ritz Carlton, the Marriott Marquis and Essex House. He is currently banquet chef at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in Hawaii. He earned a culinary degree at Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island, and received certifications from The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, Calif. and Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, United Kingdom.

This new line of jerky is an extension of his line of spice blends he started in 2014.

Friday, February 3, 2023

Whiskey Hill Smokehouse - Saki Teri-Yaki

Whiskey Hill Smokehouse is a brand owned and operated by Whiskey Hill Smokehouse, LLC, based out of Hubbard, OR. The company also owns The Jerky Hut brand of jerky, along with Bakke Brothers Brand.

According to the company, the Whiskey Hill Smokehouse brand focuses on exotic meats and more exotic recipes than The Jerky Hut and the Bakke Brothers lines. It also focuses on all natural ingredients and its jerky varieties are all marked as "Gluten Free".

This "Saki Teri-Yaki" is said to be a throwback to the days when teriyaki was made with real sake. These days, most other companies make teriyaki with mirin wine, or rice wine vinegar.

Monday, January 30, 2023

Wyoming Gourmet Beef - All Natural Angus Honey

wyoming gournet beef jerky
Wyoming Gourmet Beef is a brand of Wyoming Authentic Products, LLC based out of Cody, WY. The company was launched by David Fales to offer meat snacks using Wyoming-raised Angus cattle.

Fales is descended from a line of Wyoming cattle ranchers and hopes that his line of beef jerky and beef sticks will make "Wyoming Beef" a household name in the same way that "Florida Oranges", "Maine Lobster", and "Wisconsin Cheese" have become.

Wyoming Gourmet Beef is made from all natural, grass-fed, Angus beef, using no hormones nor antibiotics. All jerky and beef sticks are processed in Wyoming, using no MSG, no nitrites, and is gluten-free.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Buffalo Bob's Jerky - Exotic Meats

buffalo bobs jerky
Buffalo Bob's is a brand owned by Mark Matthews, based out of Petaluma, CA. The brand's has enjoyed some great success developing a line of exotic meat jerky pressed into long strips that sell anywhere from $1.00 to $2.00 at country stores and other retail markets all across the country.

The jerky is manufactured by Zick's Specialty Meats, Inc., based out of Berrien Springs, MI, but the two companies are separately owned entities. The popularity of the brand stems from the low price and the novelty of exotic meats.

Buffalo Bob's Jerky is all chopped and formed and mixed with beef. It all comes pressed into these long strips.

Monday, January 23, 2023

Chops Beef Jerky - Teriyaki

chops beef jerky
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 Teriyaki is described by Chops as, "a tangy alternative to the original flavor", and goes on to add that it offers, "some added dimension to the ingredients", creating something familiar yet new.

Friday, January 20, 2023

Bakke Brothers Brand - Peppered Beef Jerky

bakke brothers brand jerky
Bakke Brothers Brand is owned by Whiskey Hill Smokehouse, LLC based out of Hubbard, OR. Whiskey Hill also owns The Jerky Hut, as well as its own house brand, Whiskey Hill Smokehouse.

Bakke Brothers was started by Phil Bakke, one of Whiskey Hill's founders. The brand differs from The Jerky Hut in that it's free of preservatives such as sodium nitrite, sodium erythorbate, et al, and it's also gluten-free.

This Peppered Beef Jerky is marketed as, "Gluten Free", "No MSG", and "No Nitrates", going on to say that it is, "slightly sweet with plenty of pepper".

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Joe's Wicked Good Jerky - Mary Joe

joes wicked good jerky
Joe's Wicked Good Beef Jerky is a brand owned by Joe's Wicked Good Jerky Corporation, based out of Redding, CA. It was started by the husband and wife duo of Joe Nixt and Traci Nixt, who launched the brand in October 2014.

At the time, Joe had been making his own jerky for over 20 years. He's shared it with friends and co-workers from his contracting business. When Traci lost her secretarial position, the couple decided to make a go at running a jerky company.

This "Mary Joe" is described as a Bloody Mary jerky, "...without the tomato and vodka. The company says that they sold out of their first batch in a week.

Monday, January 9, 2023

Gentlemen's Beef Jerky - Sweet Chili

gentlemens beef jerky
Gentlemen's Beef Jerky is a new brand launched by Chef Shehu Fitzgerald, based out of Staten Island, NY. Chef Shehu gained famed after winning it all on Season Seven of Food Network, "Chopped". He went on to compete on "Chopped Champs" and on ABC's, "The Taste".

The celebrated culinary master spent over 20 years at high profile restaurants including the Ritz Carlton, the Marriott Marquis and Essex House. He is currently banquet chef at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in Hawaii. He earned a culinary degree at Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island, and received certifications from The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, Calif. and Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, United Kingdom.

This new line of jerky is an extension of his line of spice blends he started in 2014.

Monday, January 2, 2023

Chew On This Jerky - Korean Style BBQ

chew on this jerky
Chew On This Jerky is a new brand of jerky launched in April 2018 by Eric Bowlus and Grace Bowlus, based out of Corona, CA.

Veteran-owned and operated, the Bowlus' history in craft jerky goes back over 40 years working in the food manufacturing industry. Eric began making jerky as a hobby just within the last five. After a couple of years making dehydrated meats, he decided to turn it into a business.

This Korean Style BBQ variety doesn't come with any further description or claims by the company.