I wasn't paying close enough attention, and didn't notice two things: that these MW Polar Smoked Brisling were packed in canola oil, and they also come packed in olive oil. I'm not sure why the olive oil version should be 50% more expensive. So is the "in water" version. Or maybe it's just another example of the pricing games played by certain online sellers.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.9/5.
These are nicely packed, largely unblemished. The smoke aroma is room-filling. If smoked fish is not your thing, these are not for you. And it's real smoke, not an added flavoring. The bronze hue of the skin confirms it.
A slight quibble: the can says 2 layers, but I counted 14 fish total. You can see 11 of them in the just-opened can, so it's not two equal layers. I'd buy these again, and hope I can catch them when the olive oil version is priced more in line with what these were.
Update: I found an olive oil-packed version at Walmart in a 4.23 oz. "exhibition" can for only $2.46. Cha-ching!
Brand: MW Polar
Description: Smoked Brisling in Canola Oil
Species: Sprattus sprattus
Country of Origin: Latvia
Source: FAO 27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 3.52 oz.
Price Range: $4