John Mudd Loves Pickles

May 1, 2010

I decided to start this month off with an entirely new brand of pickles.  The Pickle Guys were kind enough to send three jars of pickles (new, sour, and hot) and a jar of pickled tomatoes to my humble abode.  This was my first encounter with these types of pickles and I must say, I was pretty impressed.

From left to right, I had a new pickle, a hot pickle, and a sour pickle.  The new pickle takes fresh to a whole new level, having only a slightly sour taste but a really big crunch.  This particular pickle kind of reminded me of Claussen, but had a more mellow flavor and definitely seemed like it had only recently entered that jar of ever-loving goodness.  The hot pickle was very tenacious and a challenge to get through, but still very enjoyable.  The hot pickle has a flavor similar to that of the “new” pickle but really kicks up the heat and challenges the eater to take another bite.  This pickle certainly isn’t for the weekend pickle warrior, but if you’re up for the challenge, I highly recommend that you check this out.  Finally, the sour pickle was all that remained on my paper towel.  I was really impressed with the flavor of the sour pickle but the actual texture of the pickle was a little less crunchy than I normally enjoy.  This occasionally happens to all pickles, and I feel like this was just an unlucky beginning to the jar of sour pickles.  The sour pickle was definitely very tart but didn’t overdo it on the sour flavor, leading to a generally good experience.  Overall I would give this introductory encounter with The Pickle Guys products 4 out of 5 belly rubs.  I really did enjoy this snack provided by the Pickle Guys and think that you should definitely check them out.

Here are some pictures of the jars…

From left to right, we have “New” pickles, Hot Pickles, Sour Pickles, and the Pickled Tomatoes.

The Pickle Guys were able to hook me up when it came to these delicious types of pickles and I definitely appreciate their generosity.  If you’re interested in trying out The Pickle Guys for yourself, do yourself a favor and take a trip to their website.  Here’s the link…

The Pickle Guys

Later that day, I was able to have a pickle from Potbelly Sandwich Shop.  I decided to pair the first pickle I ordered with a root beer float.  I know that it sounds a little strange, but these two seemingly contradictory food items actually went together quite well.  Here is the first pickle that I got from Potbelly.

This pickle performed it’s duty as a snack, but I soon wanted more and found myself right back where I started.  A group of friends and I decided to grab a quick bite to eat before hitting the town for the night.  I got a delicious sandwich and couldn’t help but get another pickle.  this is what I was dealing with during round two.

Here are the reasons that I like these pickles:

1.)  These pickles have a pretty good stature.

2.)  They are split into quarter-spears, except for at the base of the pickle.  This keeps the pickle together until just before you enjoy your snack.

3.)  They are sold out of a giant tub of pickles.

Fortunately, one of my fellow pickle enthusiasts was too full to finish her pickle and offered the final spear to me.

Overall, I would say this was an AMAZING beginning to the moth of May since I consumed about 6 cubic feet of pickles in the course of 10 hours.  If this is a sign of things to come, I am certainly in for a treat this month.

May 2, 2010

I decided to keep this gravy train rolling with a selection from each of the three pickle jars I had received from The Pickle Guys.  These pickles had some bite to them and really set themselves apart from your average pickle.

Overall, these pickles were satisfying and served as the ideal snack for the time.  4 out of 5 belly rubs.

May 4, 2010

After a tough day at work, I decided to kick back, relax, and (as I often do) enjoy a snack of the pickled variety!  I had a member of each jar that the Pickle Guys had sent to me represented in this feast.  One new, one hot, and one sour, with all three equating to a fresh, fiery and fuming experience.

I’m finding that The Pickle Guys products are exactly as advertised and really deliver the goods when you want them.  I’m giving this pickle experience 5 out of 5 belly rubs.

May 6, 2010

A pickle combo was inevitable, so I figured that I should concoct one today for lunch.

I’m just praying that my co-workers didn’t notice the slight pickle aroma emanating from my cube… Combining The Pickle Guys with Bob’s Pickle Bob’s turned out to be solid gold.  My only complaint is that I didn’t pack more pickles to binge on.  Good show, fellas… good show. See you next time at JMLP!

May 7, 2010

The Pickle Guys were on the menu once again for lunch today, the reason being that these were the only pickles I had in the refrigerator.  These salty snacks once again stole the show during lunch and made me proud to be a pickle fanatic.

Although the glare of the plastic baggie is somewhat inhibiting your visual stimulation, you can trust me when I describe these pickles as works of beauty that rank among the Sistine Chapel or Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”  Another perfect score for the three varieties of pickles provided by The Pickle Guys.

May 9, 2010

Dinner at my grandmother can only mean two things:

1.) The food is going to be ridiculously amazing.

2.) The portions are going to be on the heavy side.

I stared at my plate and found that there was something missing.  The top of my burger was a blank slate, so I delicately placed three Claussen sandwich slices atop this work of art.

Yes… That is a lot of food.  The best part is that it’s actually all fat free!  Not really, but the pickles were really delicious, and that’s really all that matters.  Maw Maw really showed off her kitchen skills here, and the pickles were just the icing on the cake.  5 out of 5 stars for the brand that started it all.

I got back to my apartment and found a big box outside of my door.  I quickly opened the aforementioned box and was delighted to find these…

Several smaller boxes of pickles courtesy of Freestone Pickles!  The flavors are (clockwise from top left) Hot, Chili Lime, Kosher, Dill, and Sour. Here are what the pickles look like when they’re on display…

I was so excited that I barely had time to snap this picture.

Chili Lime is seriously bad ass.  I’ll be honest by saying that I was a little worried at first…  I’ve had experience with strange foods before that sound awesome but are a big-time let down.  Fortunately, this was not the case.  Chili Lime is just as incredible tasting as it is unorthodox.  If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend trying on of these big guys.  Chili lime is getting a perfect score, and that’s only because I can’t give it more than 5 out of 5 belly rubs.  I really wish I could, but I don’t believe in improper fractions.  Keep an eye on the site since I’ll be updating more after the weekend.  Check back soon!

May 10, 2010

I decided to give Freestone’s Dill pickle a shot.  This is a more traditional variety of pickle, and it definitely lived up to the expectation.  While it lacks the domestic familiarity of some of the other independent pickles I have tried in my day, Freestone Pickles have a quality that is undeniable.

When it comes to its size, this was quite a hefty pickle!  The only problem I had with this pickle was that it lacked the “Wow” factor or intensity of other, more exotic flavors.  However, if you’re looking for a traditional pickle that satisfies all aspects of your hunger, you’re looking in the right spot.  I’m giving this pickle 4 out of 5 belly rubs.

The Freestone “Kosher Dill” is very similar to the standard Dill pickle (the one in the blue package).  I found that each one is incredibly satisfying and gives you that salty tartness you’re searching for.

This pickle, much like the standard Dill, falls short of producing much flare or excitement.  On the other hand, this pickle delivers where it matters most.  The Freestone Kosher Dill is a great way to for those of Jewish descent to get there daily fix of Vitamin P free of any guilt.  Try one of these pickles today and figure out which is your favorite flavor.  After thinking about this pickle, I decided to give it 3 out of 5 belly rubs because it came up a little short on intensity and size.  Don’t you hate when that happens?

May 11, 2010

The Freestone Sour Pickle delivers exactly what it advertises… A punch in the face of tangy, acerbic flavor.  If you’re not a fan of tart flavors, then you are DEFINITELY not going to enjoy this pickle.  From the moment I cut open the packaging, the aroma acted like an assault on my nostrils.  However, when I sank my teeth into this gem, it was absolute Heaven.  Pickle lovers have a united respect for sour and tangy flavors, in whatever they come in.

Overall, I would give this pickle a solid 4 out of 5 belly rubs because it has a rich, sour flavor but doesn’t assert itself as my favorite of the Freestone brand.  That wraps up another quality pickle from the fine folks at Freestone.

The Freestone Hot Dill was burning a hole in my fridge, and I was dying to try them, so after I finished my freestone sour dill, I got to work.  When I took my first bite into the hot dill pickle, I thought it was going to be like any other pickle.  Just look at the little guy…

After chewing this pickle for approximately 2.5 seconds, I realized that I was grossly mistaken regarding my previous assumption.  This pickle is scorching, almost painfully, hot.  I definitely enjoyed this pickle since I’m a fanatic of hot foods.  However, if you don’t enjoy having lava in your mouth, you might not get pleasure from your Hot Dill experience.  Overall, I give this pickle 2 out of 5 belly rubs since it seemed to forget about keeping the flavor of the pickle as the main focus.  Don’t get me wrong, I like hot foods, but when it comes to my pickles, I like them to be bearable, not agonizing.  Overall though, Freestone has a solid lineup of various pickle flavors, all of which promote this super food.

I decided to try out the Pickleback drink mix supplied by Bob’s Pickle Pops.  This drink takes liquid encouragement to a whole different level.  Just when I thought alcohol couldn’t get more enjoyable, the geniuses at Bob’s Pickle Pops go and add pickle juice.  We decided to mix it with vodka, similar to how they do it at Pickle Pub in Ocean City.

We started out using a 1:1 ratio with our drinks.  JMLP Publicist, Archie Verdiglione, wasn’t the biggest fan of this concoction, but he did partake in quite a few beverages.

As you can see here, I got crafty and actually incorporated a Pickle Pop into my Pickleback shot.  The combination was deadly to my sobriety…

I really enjoyed this drink mix and think it serves as a great way to stay hydrated and overcome the “Hangover” feeling before it even starts (An often overlooked benefit of the electrolytes in pickles).

As the evening progressed, we made out way to Velocity 5, a unique sports bar/restaurant in Arlington, VA.  Notice the look of pure happiness on my face, with a pickle in one hand and a beer in the other.

The pickle themed evening drew to a close with a solid 5 out of 5 belly rubs dill spear from Velocity 5!  I’m sure I will be seeing plenty of pickles from this fine establishment.  What a great night for a pickle lover.  More to come!

May 12, 2010

Love that Chili Lime!  By far, this is my favorite Freestone flavor.

Once again, 5 out of 5 Belly Rubs!

May 13, 2010

I’m still trying to put my finger on why Kosher Dill doesn’t measure up to the other Dill flavored pickle that Freestone offers (the one with the blue label).

3 out of 5 Belly rubs!

The Hot Dill is a paradoxical pickle.  It acts as both a treat and a challenge, with the ultimate result being a satisfying pickle experience.

2 out of 5 Belly rubs!  Keep ‘em coming, Freestone.

May 14, 2010

Crunchy, juicy, and jack packed full of flavor.  This really reminded me of why I love pickles so much.

4 out of 5 Belly Rubs!

This kosher dill spear that came to me by way of Corner Bakery Cafe was warm and flimsy.  A little disappointing since I usually like the pickles that this fine establishment supplies…

This last bite that almost got thrown away by my lovely little lady should have never been served.  Look at this little morsel of dissatisfaction…

I’m giving both of these pickles 0 out of 5 belly rubs.  A first ever on John Mudd Loves Pickles.  It hurts me more than it hurts them…

May 16, 2010

Another day, another pickle.  Is it really any surprise that my little, grubby fingers swiped up a Chili Lime pickle from Freestone?

5 out of 5 Belly Rubs!  Another one bites the dust…

May 17, 2010

My second favorite Freestone flavor was in the cards today.  I reached for a fresh Dill and went to work.

4 out of 5 Belly Rubs!  An all-around solid pickle packed with loads of flavor.

May 18, 2010

An evening at Velocity 5 once again made for an exquisitely delectable experience.  With Archie, my trusty publicist, I was fortunate enough to have TWO pickles from this upstanding restaurant.

I’m giving these pickles a perfect score.  5 out of 5 Belly rubs!

I decided that two spears simply weren’t enough to satisfy my hunger.  The moment I got back to my apartment, I ripped open a Sour Freestone pickle and chowed down.

I’m giving this sour pickle 4 out of 5 belly rubs because it wasn’t quite as sour as the last one… which is a definite improvement!  Freestone comes through in the clutch again.

I decided to give the Pickle Guys tomatoes that they sent me a chance.  Unfortunately, I discovered that I’m not a pickled tomato kind-of-guy.  If you like pickles, and you like tomatoes, these might be right up your alley, but they weren’t for me.

To give these pickles a belly rub rating would be unfair since they aren’t a “pickle” (in my eyes at least).  If you’re interested, check them out, but I’m not really into them.

May 20, 2010

I packed myself a fantastic Freestone Dill that I expected to pair well with my turkey on white and bag of UTZ.

Unfortunately, while trying to finish my lunch, I decided to save my pickle for a rainy day.

Now, the next time I have that yearning for a salty, tart snack, I’ll be covered with my “EMERGENCY PICKLE.”  Stay posted for when this little guy gets demolished by these pickle loving jaws.

May 25, 2010

I was feeling extra Kosher on this day and decided to saddle up with a Freestone Kosher Dill.  After downing the juice, I inhaled this hopeless pickle.

3 out of 5 Belly Rubs for this fine, month-ending treat.  That wraps up another section here at JMLP.  Thanks for your patience and, don’t worry about the recent lack of updates.  JMLP is back in action.  Check back often for more Independent Picklers and News Updates.