What better way to start the new year than with salmiac? Actually, that was a rhetorical question. Technically, it's impossible to answer since it would encompass every known and unknown activity in the entire universe.
The salmiac I opted for today was the Alku Lakritsi from Brunberg. It was one of those tar-textured ones I've become so un-fond of.
Expecting the worst, I carefully nibbled on the bite-sized piece, making sure not to get the gooey tar embedded in my teeth. I was surprised to find a dark caramely taste with a strong hint of liquorice. The texture and taste reminded me of a circus peanut, though not nearly as sweet – and there was little, if any, salt to be found.
It was a fairly pleasant taste... though after the last one, I suppose anything would be. I had a few other pieces before reminding myself that one of my new years resolutions was learning portion control, and so I stopped. And I suppose that was a good thing – the salt found its way back a few minutes later.
None the less, the Lakritsi Alku earns the coveted halfway-decent rating.
There doesn't seem to be any trend in the ratings. I would like more tasting data to see if a trend would arise (possibly positive). In year 2010, 40% of ratings where edible or better, in 2011 a whopping 56% and in 2012: 43% (currently 2013: 100%). Salmiyuck rating chart
ReplyDeleteWe'll probably have to send Alex some more salmiakki to reduce the effects of sampling bias. Meanwhile, I suppose these Alku candies have only very little salmiakki in them.
DeleteThe "regular" Alku is a toffee candy: http://www.brunberg.fi/en/tuotteet_alku.html
ReplyDeleteYou tested the liquorice variant of it, as the Finnish word "lakritsi" translates to "liquorice": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquorice_%28confectionery%29
No wonder you gave the "Alku lakritsi" a halfway-decent rating, as there was (as you suspected) no ammonium chloride in it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salty_liquorice. It's not a salmiac product!
I recall checking the ingredients list earlier and confirming it actually does contain a little bit of ammonium chloride, just not very much. I can double check later to verify it. It'd indeed be horribly embarrassing if it actually doesn't contain any.
DeleteI said I'd check the ingredients list and I finally remembered to do so.
DeleteYes, salmiakki is listed, but it's near the very end of the list, after the food coloring. I think the list might be ordered by the amount, which means there's only very very little salmiakki in the candy for minimal flavoring purposes only.
Ohwell. At least it contains a little bit of salmiakki.
Mmmm. These are gooood!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny because Alku means "the beginning" and you ate them at the beginning of the year.
ReplyDeleteHahaha, Awesome. I come from the town where the Brunberg factory is. And I also know one of Brunberg's product designers.
ReplyDeleteToo bad you only got the Liquorice Alku (although, too bad is the point of this blog, I guess), for there are also caramel, lemon-liquorice, fruit and chocolate flavoured Alkus. Brunberg also produces some pretty tasty salty liquorice. Hopefully someone sends it to you.
How much you have stuff left to taste? Just worrying you run out of.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, I recently sent him some delicious stuff to sample. But I suppose it'd be good to send more to make sure he always has some fresh salmiakki around if he gets the cravings.
DeleteNice fingerprints! =D Come on, your Finnish audience is waiting for a new post with excitement...
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Alex has been slacking waaaay too much. He should just grab a video camera and start handing the sweets to any random children on the streets near the office if he can't find volunteers otherwise. Kids love free candy!
DeleteI must say I was somewhat impressed that you have made such a collection of salmiak review experiences. I personally love salty licorice and my mouth is watering just looking at all the stuff that you have here. though some of it does look simply disgusting. LOL .. I will be looking at all your posts tonight .. keep up God's work my friend..
ReplyDelete