Jerky's Gourmet - Craft Beer

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!"

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The Jerky Hut - Hot Golden Nuggets

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".

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Whiskey Hill Smokehouse - Whiskey BBQ Jerky

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".

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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".

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Chef Craig's Beef Jerky - Original

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.

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Freedom Jerky - Tactical Teriyaki

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".

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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.

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Bakke Brothers Brand - Garlic Lovers Beef 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.

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All American Jerky - Snack Sticks

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.

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