I had been putting off getting these Porthos Spiced Sardines in Olive Oil because I hadn't seen or heard much about them. Big mistake on my part. They were $6 at World Market.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 5/5.
Some real beauties here, folks. A subtle whiff of clove when the lid was cracked open. A sip of the oil neutral, until it hits the back of the throat. The fish are melt-in-your-mouth tender. Pickle, carrot, clove and a red pepper under the fish. And the pickle is a pickle, even though the can says cucumber. No bay leaf, but I didn't miss it. The ingredients credit pepper seed and chilli flavoring for the heat, which is not overpowering. A really nice balance on the seasonings here.
These compare favorably with the Ati Manel, the Nuri, and the JOSE Gourmet. I also picked up a can of their regular sardines in olive oil, and hope they are just as impressive.
Main Takeaways
- Supremely tender
- Comparable to pricier competitors
- Shouldn't have waited to pull the trigger on these
Slightly higher at Amazon, but still worth it if you don't have a local source.
Brand: Conservas Portugal Norte / Porthos
Description: Spiced sardines in olive oil
Species: Sardina pilchardus
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.4 oz.
Price Range: $6