Briosa Gourmet Archives

These Briosa Gourmet Spiced Mackerel Fillets came with an order from International Loft about two months ago. I don't know why it took so long to get around to cracking the can. I had previously reviewed their spiced sardines around that time, and found them worthy. Would these be as impressive? Let's find out.

Initial impression upon opening the can: 5/5.

Some beautiful mackerel fillets. The aroma of spice hits the nose immediately. A sip of the oil has a spiciness reminiscent of a Spanish red vermut. A nibble of the fish has, as hoped, a mild, fresh fish taste.

Let's Dig In

Lifting the fillets from the can, they are firm and remain relatively intact. There are five fillets, or at least separate pieces, in total. Some tend to split lengthwise as they are transferred to the bowl of rice.

Underneath, there is the trinity of carrot, pepper and pickle. I taste the latter, and it indeed appears to be a pickle, not just a slice of cucumber. This time, there are two small cloves, maybe three, as I think I ate a tiny one with the last fragment of fish in the can. The pepper appears to have expended the bulk of its heat, infusing it into the olive oil.

About two tablespoons-worth of the red-tinged oil were left in the tin, and I poured the majority of it out over everything.

The meat is firm yet tender, flaking readily. I marveled as I ate how in-balance everything was and how complementary it was to the fish. The spices, the heat, the salt level all in a just-right combination. None overpowered the other nor the flavor of the fish, and the heat remained steady and subtle throughout. At no point did I consider adding any hot sauce or chili crisp. I can't think of anything that would have improved upon it just as it came from the tin.

Mian Takeaways

Mild, meaty mackerel
Well-balanced spices
Generous portion

A definite re-buy.

Brand: Conservas Portugal Norte / Briosa Gourmet
Description: Spiced mackerel fillets in olive oil
Species: Scomber sp.
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 4.2 oz.
Price Range: $6-7

These Briosa Gourmet Spiced Sardines came with my first order from International Loft. I had not encountered the brand before at any of my usual local or online sources. I was looking forward to giving them a try.

Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.9/5.

Nice looking fish. Packed silvery belly side up. Four stocky pilchards. The oil is tinted a coppery orange from the pepper. A few scales, but not enough to complain about. The can is a deep one, and the net weight is a generous 4.2 oz.

Not too much in the way of aroma coming from the can. A sip of the oil gives hints of the spices and a subtle amount of heat. They are packed in olive oil, which is apparently of good quality, even if not listed as EVOO. Packed in tight, too. It was difficult to get an entire fish out of the can intact. They were quite tender.

A first taste of the fish is impressive. Everything seems in balance, from the fresh sardine flavor to the spices, to the amount of salt. All spot on. Underneath, there's a pickle slice, the obligatory paper-thin sliver of carrot, and a chili pepper about two inches long. I taste clove, listed on the wrapper, but there doesn't seem to be one in the can. No bay leaf, but I didn't miss it.

If I had any complaint, it would be that the fish, while very tender, was a tad dry. But it didn't stop me from finishing the can.

Examining the wrapper, I see Briosa Gourmet is under the Conservas Portugal Norte umbrella, along with Porthos. Looking back at my review of the Porthos Spiced Sardines, I note they have quite a bit in common. These Briosa, however, were about 25% cheaper. I'd buy them again.

Brand: Conservas Portugal Norte / Briosa Gourmet
Description: Spiced sardines in olive oil
Species: Sardina pilchardus
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.2 oz.
Price Range: $4-5