After my call for samples during last deal "or we will never believe you" regarding improved drying and flavouring process, I received some free samples. Tldr at the end.
Geronimo jerky NEW sample review JUNE 2018. Received product for free.
Pow wow - much better texture than my previous order, which was leathery, almost plastic like. However, I could enjoy slightly more moisture. Perhaps once there is a well established process the company could allow customers to choose between 2 degrees of dryness, as some other companies allow, such as biltong to go. Aside from this, I think the current product offers appropriate dryness to satisfy the majority of customers. Flavour is still somewhat muted, the sweetness is coming through but not so much teriyaki. Perhaps this is the intention as the product is meant to be highly accessible and palatable for children. Could use more salt in my opinion - which I realise may be a strange comment since the ingredients list the same amount of salt as the Original, which I think is delicious, as described below. So perhaps the lack of saltyness is just the sweetness masking the other flavours.
Original - Slightly more moisture than the Pow Wow. Able to be chewed without first softening in the mouth for half a minute. I enjoy the texture of the Original more than the Pow Wow. The flavour is rich, full, well rounded, salty soy sauce, and certainly not 'plain'. Although a minority of the pieces were thin, they did not feel brittle or plastic like. Most pieces had a nice thickness of 3-5 mm. I think you guys have done a great job with this batch of Original. I would buy this one again.
Spicy shaman (Curry) - while I didn't expect to like this flavour, it actually works. The aroma is stronger than the taste, and the African spice ties the meaty flavour together with the mild curry tones.
Stampede - texture was good as above. I didn't get much flavour from this one, it was like a more mild version of the original, has a slightly 'green' or grassy taste than the original. Not unpleasant, but I'd recommend people take the original.
Buckshot - positive comments and dryness apply here as with the Original. Full bodied peppery spicey flavour that is not overly hot. This would be my second favourite after the original.
Sidewinder - a step up in terms of heat from the Buckshot, and is based on chilli rather than pepper. This is about the limit of my comfort level with hot food - I used to be into chilli but not so much these days. A cold beer would go with this nicely.
I couldn't handle any hotter so my review stops here. Altogether, I think if Geronimo can consistently produce jerky with this new texture and dryness profile, with the even flavour I tasted in this sample pack, then buying is recommended. Just for balance, there are other jerky companies which I also recommend, Jim's and Silver's being my personal favourites. But Geronimo is off my personal (s)hitlist.
Hopefully others can confirm that my results are typical. I wouldn't want fellow bargainers to think I am simply shilling now I got some free samples. I've been a vocal critic in recent deals, check my post history. But credit where credit is due, i think Geronimo is genuinely trying to offer an improved product and has heeded the negative feedback offered here.
Tldr- new manufacturing procedure has created far more edible, and indeed palatable product with an appropriate toughness and dryness (not leathery) which is equal in quality to the best competitors I've tried. Flavour is subjective but I like the original and the Buckshot. Give them another go if you like.
Thanks, if they post a decent enough deal I'll give them another go. (hint hint!)