I purchased these Chicken of the Sea Sardines in LA Hot Sauce at the same time as the versions in lemon sauce and Mediterranean style, with the intention of comparing them. I chose instead to follow the motto "one can at a time", and review them separately.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.25/5.
A little messy on the presentation, but the can is packed acceptably full, with little slosh. Meat is reasonably tender with bones not noticeable and none of the prickliness sometimes associated with sprats. The sauce is in ways reminiscent of Louisiana style hot sauce, which is milder than others such as Tabasco. The sauce is not as piquant/vinegary and face sweat-inducing as that of the recent revision of the Northern Catch Sardines in Hot Sauce.
Closer examination of the label shows these could either be sprats or herring, making one wonder if the distribution is random or regional. I think herring in this sauce could actually be quite good. The label on the can is adhesive paper on the lid only, which makes me think the fish content could be seasonal, like sprats today and herring maybe in six months.
Not bad for the price, as supermarket sardines go, but not necessarily memorable, either.
Main Takeaways
- Visually kind of a mess
- Tender fish without the prickly tails sprats sometimes have
- Not exactly LA hot sauce, but not bad
Brand: Chicken of the Sea
Description: Brisling Sardines in Louisiana hot sauce
Species: Sprattus sprattus
Country of Origin: Poland
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 3.75 oz.
Price Range: $2