Look, I’m not going to pretend I’m some sort of beef jerky connoisseur who can detect the subtle notes of hickory versus mesquite while pontificating about moisture content. I’m just a bloke who likes a good chew, and Butchermans delivers exactly that without any pretension.

Definitely above supermarket grade and a pretty soft chew. The Aussie BBQ flavour I tried had a combination of thin and thicker strips but all quite easy to eat, making it an easy snack to binge. The flavour profile is very subtle compared to some of the other brands I’ve tried recently, but I guess “Aussie BBQ” isn’t a very specific flavour to replicate. I suppose it does give a bit of a BBQ beef sausage flavour, and the liquid smoke and double smoke glaze ingredients are surely contributing to that.

I typically go for slightly hotter flavours, but the texture and chewability of this was satisfying, giving a better texture than many. I am definitely keen to try more flavours by Butchermans.

As I sit in bed eating this, my kitten is showing me more attention than usual as he can smell the meat. Which, let’s be honest, is probably the most authentic product endorsement you’re going to get. If a cat thinks it’s worth investigating, there’s got to be something right about it.

What Sets It Apart

Here’s the thing about Butchermans: it doesn’t try too hard. In a market where every second brand is screaming about their artisanal this or their premium that, Butchermans just quietly goes about making decent jerky. The texture is where it really shines. Not too dry, not too soft, just that Goldilocks zone where you can actually enjoy the chew without feeling like you’re working through boot leather or, conversely, eating something that’s suspiciously moist.

The thickness variation in the strips is actually a feature, not a bug. The thinner bits give you that immediate flavour hit and satisfying snap, while the thicker pieces let you settle in for a proper chew. It’s like they’ve accidentally (or cleverly) built in variety within the same pack.

Room for Improvement

The Aussie BBQ flavour, while pleasant, does play it safe. It’s the beef jerky equivalent of ordering a vanilla milkshake. Nothing wrong with it, but you’re not exactly pushing any boundaries. I’d love to see them crank up the intensity a notch or two, maybe throw some native Australian flavours into the mix. Where’s the wattleseed? The pepperberry? The lemon myrtle? Come on, we’re better than just “liquid smoke” in 2025.

That said, the subtlety might be exactly what some people are after. Not everyone wants their jerky to challenge their taste buds to a duel at dawn.

The Verdict

Overall, I would probably put this in the top 30% of Australian beef jerky brands and would definitely encourage anyone taking the time to read this to give it a go if you come across it. It’s not going to change your life or inspire you to write poetry, but it’s going to satisfy that primal urge for salty, smoky, chewy meat without breaking the bank or disappointing your taste buds.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely. Would I tell my mates about it? Probably in that casual “yeah, it’s pretty good” Australian way that somehow translates to high praise. Would my kitten approve? Well, he’s currently trying to headbutt the empty packet out of my hand, so I’m going to say that’s a resounding yes.

Rating: 7/10

Solid, dependable, and exactly what you want when you just need some bloody good jerky without the fuss. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to investigate what other flavours they make before my cat stages a full intervention.