Picked up these Brunswick Sardines in Olive Oil with Hot Peppers by mistake thinking they were the Sardine Fillets in Olive Oil (and knowing that they were actually herring). I had tried the Boneless Skinless (Pilchards) in Olive Oil with Mild Red Pepper, so it was a chance to at least try these.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.5/5.
The package lists serrano pepper as the heat source. Although there are only a few bits of it in the can, the heat is quite pronounced. (As opposed to the whole peppers in the Mild Red Pepper pilchards.) I'm used to spicy foods, and these had me reaching for a plain cracker to tone down the after-burn.
The other thing I noticed that I may have overlooked on the plain "in olive oil" version is that these aren't really "in" olive oil. They just have droplets of oil on the surface of whatever brine/juice these are packed in. Olive oil is the second ingredient on the package listing, so one would assume it should be the second-most amount of the overall make-up. But I really don't see it. Also, "serrano peppers" should really just say "pepper" as it's only the slightest bits of pieces and seeds. But they do really spice it up. I can't imagine how hot they'd be if there was any more.
Anyway, if you like the heat, these might fill the bill for you.
Brand: Bumble Bee Seafoods/Brunswick
Description: Sardine Fillets in Olive Oil with Hot Peppers
Species: Herring
Country of Origin: Canada
Source:
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 3.75 oz.
Price Range: $2