Showing posts with label Best. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best. Show all posts

Friday, September 12, 2025

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".

Friday, August 15, 2025

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.

Friday, May 16, 2025

Bakke Brothers Brand - Scorpion 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 Scorpion Peppered Beef Jerky is made with Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers and is marked as, "Gluten Free", "No MSG", and "No Nitrates", going on to say, "So you think you want to go a little hotter?".

Friday, May 2, 2025

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, April 21, 2025

People's Choice Beef Jerky - Sweet Chili Habanero

peoples choice beef jerky
People's Choice Beef Jerky has a new flavor, "Sweet Chili Habanero".

People's Choice Beef Jerky is a brand of Peoples Sausage Company, Inc. based out of Los Angeles, CA. It's a family-run business that's been around since 1929. See our previous reviews of their jerky.

This Sweet Chili Habanero is described by the company as "...a bright fruit sweetness, almost tropical, that slowly accompanies the savory spice blend and the natural meat flavor."

Friday, April 11, 2025

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, March 17, 2025

People's Choice Beef Jerky - Cowboy Peppered

peoples choice beef jerky
People's Choice Beef Jerky recently introduced a new flavor, "Cowboy Peppered". It launched in October 2017.

People's Choice Beef Jerky is a brand of People's Sausage Company, Inc. based out of Los Angeles, CA. It's a family-run business that's been around since 1929.

This new Cowboy Peppered variety is part of the company's "Tasting Kitchen" series, which is a line of jerky that mixes bold, eclectic ingredients, with the old fashioned style of making jerky. The company says this Cowboy Peppered is, "...for those that love the rich and bold flavor of coarse black pepper ... married with slight sweetness of sugar and the richness of Worcestershire sauce."

Friday, March 14, 2025

Jerky's Gourmet - Habanero Sculpin

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.

Habanero Sculpin also happens to be the name of a craft beer made by Ballast Point Brewing, another San Diego business. This jerky is marinated for 24 hours in this brew, creating a one-two punch of habanero spices and "subtle hoppy notes" on the tongue.

Monday, March 10, 2025

Emerald Coast Gourmet Jerky - Mild


Emerald Coast Gourmet Jerky is a new brand of jerky, having officially launched at the start of this year. Dennis Kloet, who operates a House of Jerky outlet in Fort Walton Beach, FL, had been making beef jerky going back to the early 2000s when he was selling his homemade concoctions to racing fans at local racetracks.

His new brand is based on his years of discovering what sells best, and what he and other jerky aficionados seem to define as "gourmet".

This "Mild" variety is also described as "with a kick", and is also touted as, "cross grain cut", "no preservatives", and "easy chew".

Ingredients

Beef Eye of Round, Marinade (soy sauce [water, salt, hydrolyzed soy protein, corn syrup, caramel coloring], dehydrated garlic, sugar, vinegar, natural hickory smoke flavor, caramel color), cayenne pepper

Review

The flavors that come into view is a meaty, beefy palate followed soon by a mild yet savory marinade of soy sauce and light vinegar. That cayenne pepper does materialize enough let itself be known without calling in the fire department, but does offer just enough of its characteristic profile.

You could just about imagine yourself dipping chunks of beef grilled over a flame into a pot of au jus and then dabbling them with a spot of Tabasco or Franks Red Hot. It has that kind of meaty flavor bolstered with a French Dip sauce and sprinkled lightly with cayenne pepper. It's not hot at all, but gives off a light flavor of a Louisiana-style condiment.

The diced cubes of beef are a welcomed change of creativity beyond the usual spate of slabs and strips so commonly seen in most brands. Shaped and sized into small cubes about 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch, they allow for continuous easy snacking suitable for working lunches and Netflix binges.

As for the claim of "easy chew", it definitely is so. Tender right out of the bag, but still offering a steak-like chewing texture, this Mild variety allows you to indulge your snacking urge without making you work for it. Even the "Mild with a kick" labeling is par for the course, though for someone like me who prefers a fiery chew it's more like a "nudge".

Verdict

This Mild variety from Emerald Coast Gourmet Jerky definitely does awaken the senses with its savory light marinade, meaty, beef flavor, and touches of Louisiana-style pepper sauce. But it also pleases with its steak-like chewing texture, and creates a great snacking experience with its easy chewing and small, snackable pieces. While Emerald Coast Gourmet Jerky does not yet have online ordering for its flagship product offering, you can still order yourself some by messaging them on their Facebook Page.

Rating: Best

To buy, send message to the company's Facebook Page:


Jeff's Famous Jerky - Sweet Cinnamon Roll Bacon Jerky

jeffs famous jerky
The guys at Jeff's Famous Jerky have a new bacon jerky flavor out now, "Sweet Cinnamon Roll". 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 numerous flavors of jerky, all hormone-free, American beef (or bacon), without added MSG or preservatives.

This Sweet Cinnamon Roll Bacon Jerky is the company's 5th bacon jerky variety, and according to them is described as, "A sweet mouth watering fusion of flavor", as well as, "the flavor of cinnamon rolls and the taste of soft gourmet bacon". It's also claimed to be gluten-free.

Monday, February 10, 2025

Katie's Beef Jerky - Maple Habanero

katie's beef jerky
Maple Habanero is the newest flavor from Katie's Premium Jerky & Snacks, a brand owned by Katie's Snack Foods, LLC based out of Hilliard, OH. It was started in 2014 by Katie Levesque, a graduate of The Ohio State University.

According to Katie, she loves jerky so much, that she actually sleeps with it under her pillow (in a plastic bag), and prefers spicy jerky (so that other people won't ask for some). She loves it so much, she left her career as an engineer to launch her own jerky company. Katie's Premium Jerky & Snacks is made in its own USDA inspected facility.

This "Maple Habanero" variety is so new, it's still not on the company's website, but we're assuming it's going to be very soon. The company also has another new variety called, "Maple" (sans habanero), but we didn't get it for review.

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

4 Seasons Jerky - Lemon Pepper

4 seasons jerky
4 Seasons Jerky is a new brand that hit the market last month. 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 Lemon Pepper is described by the company as, "Combined with crushed black pepper and lemons, Lemon Pepper is a great choice who wants both a spicy and tangy taste. "

Monday, January 27, 2025

Ayoba-Yo - Biltong

ayoba-yo biltong
Ayoba-Yo is a brand of biltong and droëwors owned by Ayoba-Yo USA, based out of Oakton, VA. The brand got started in 2013.

Co-founded by Wian van Blommestein, Ayoba-Yo is a family run business that focuses on South African-style meat snacks. Made in a USDA-inspected facility, the company's biltong and droëwors is made from top round and spiced with an old family recipe. It's free of artificial ingredients and preservatives.

Ayoba-Yo describes their brand of biltong as being gluten-free, and, "...a tender piece of beef with a naturally explosive flavor."

Monday, January 20, 2025

Tibbs Beef Jerky - Garlic Sriracha

tibbs beef jerky
Tibbs Beef Jerky is the creation of Steve Tibbs, who launched the business in 2016, based out of Bakersfield, CA. Tibbs descends from a line of barbecue grill masters and even dabbles in charcuterie.

But, the story behind Tibbs' entry into the jerky business was weight loss. Reaching 260 pounds at one point, he decided to forge together his love for meat snacks with hitting the gym. He started making his own jerky using whole foods, fresh beef, and healthful ingredients. When his friends tried his jerky, Tibbs realized he had a gold mine on his hands. Today, Tibbs jerky is sold in stores throughout the greater Bakersfield area, as well as online from its website, and now through a monthly subscription service.

This "Garlic Sriracha" is described by the company simply as, "...will have you coming back for more".

Monday, January 6, 2025

Crazy Horse Jerky - Cajun Chicken

crazy horse chicken jerky

Next up in the series on Crazy Horse Chicken Jerky is this Cajun flavor. See my review of their Original flavor.

Chicken jerky is quickly becoming a popular phenomenon, and seemingly one day may replace turkey as the favorite among poultry jerky. Chicken jerky had long been a popular form of dog treats, but recently it's been found that it has greater flavor satisfaction than turkey jerky, and is now in the realm of people treats.

Crazy Horse currently offers two varieties of chicken jerky, this Cajun flavor, and the Original I reviewed earlier.

Monday, December 9, 2024

Two Brothers Jerky - Famously Hot

two brothers jerky
We reviewed Two Brothers Jerky a couple years ago, but they're back with revised recipes, new flavors, and new packaging.

The brand is the collaborative effort of two brothers separated at birth, Paul Brock and Eddie Wales. After growing up never knowing about the other, they one discovered they each had a brother. After they reunited, they took a trip out to a lake and realized they both loved beef jerky, and both had this crazy entrepreneurial spirit. Thus, Two Brothers Jerky was born. Now based out of both Durham, NC and Columbia, SC, Two Brothers Jerky features North Carolina grass fed, grass-finished beef, and made with no nitrates.

This "Famously Hot" (see previous review) is named for Wales' hometown of Columbia, SC, which is "Famously Hot". The company says, "The first bite delivers a deep intensity of crushed red peppers, citrus and garlic with a slow building heat that will make want to grab another piece."

Monday, November 25, 2024

Joe's Wicked Good Jerky - Wicked Hot

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 "Wicked Hot" is made with Ghost Peppers and Habaneros, and is the hottest flavor Joe's Wicked makes. The package says, "Warning: extremely hot".

Monday, November 18, 2024

Pony Express Jerky - Original Hickory Smoked Strips

pony express jerky
Pony Express Jerky is a brand owned by Pony Express Enterprises based out of New Holland, PA. The brand was started in 2009 by Ted Cundiff, a veteran of the meat snack industry. Cundiff originally launched Wild Bill's Beef Jerky in 1983, a brand that was bought up by Monogram Foods in 2009.

Pony Express is manufactured in its own USDA inspected facility in New Holland, right in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country. The company offers a retail location in Blue Ball, PA.

This "Original Hickory Smoked" is different than the flavor we reviewed last week in that this is packaged in full length strips, and more importantly, is vacuum-sealed, which tends to hold its flavor and moisture better. It's only sold in one-pound (16 oz) packages. For comparison purposes, see last week's review here. Pony Express recommends you purchase a "Jerky Jar" designed to hold your remaining jerky strips and keep them air sealed.

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Tibbs Beef Jerky - Spicy Garlic

tibbs beef jerky
Tibbs Beef Jerky is the creation of Steve Tibbs, who launched the business in 2016, based out of Bakersfield, CA. Tibbs descends from a line of barbecue grill masters and even dabbles in charcuterie.

But, the story behind Tibbs' entry into the jerky business was weight loss. Reaching 260 pounds at one point, he decided to forge together his love for meat snacks with hitting the gym. He started making his own jerky using whole foods, fresh beef, and healthful ingredients. When his friends tried his jerky, Tibbs realized he had a gold mine on his hands. Today, Tibbs jerky is sold in stores throughout the greater Bakersfield area, as well as online from its website, and now through a monthly subscription service.

This "Spicy Garlic" is described by the company simply as, "...will have you coming back for more".

Monday, October 28, 2024

Smokehouse Jerky Co - "Oh" That's Hot!

smokehouse jerky co
Smokehouse Jerky Co. is a brand of Tender Heifer Snack Co., based out of Beaumont, CA. It was started in 2008, and is currently run by a husband and wife team, Franco Fonseca and Patti Fonseca.

The company takes pride in its beef brisket-based jerky, using meat sourced from California. They add no MSG and no preservatives, and focus on small batches at a time.

This "Oh That's Hot!" variety is described by Smokehouse Jerky Co as, "Starts off sweet then gives you a late hit of the Jalapeno heat at the end. Very different but a bit spicier than the rest."