4.5 out of 5

If Peter Piper picked a pack of Peppered Pickles, then Gourmet Gardens would have the jar of peppered pickle sticks that Peter Piper picked.  I did not have high hopes for this Peppered Pickle Stick.  The jar looks like it’s been sitting on the shelf of a post apocalyptic grocery store for 27 years.  The entire rest of the store was picked over by scavengers, but this single jar of pickles and 38 boxes of Good & Plenty remained. Let’s be serious, people would die of starvation before eating Good & Plenty. The label is faded  to the point lettering is hard to make out but,  you’ll be relieved to know that one of the ingredients is “pickles” so you think you’re confident about what you are getting into.  I assure you, that you are wrong.  These “pickle sticks” are nothing more than your standard spear, but there is nothing standard about this flavor.  I know it says “peppered” but you are still unprepared for how much pepper you get in the flavor.  There a wonderful spiciness from the pepper followed by an immediate different type of sweet heat from the peppers. You’ll find whole garlic and jalapeño slices floating around the bottom of the jar.  The spears have a surprising crunch and the brine is wonderfully tart, dare I say almost too tart depending on your pallet.  The brine also has this reddish tint to it, sort of like rust water.  I’m crazy excited to make a spicy Bloody Mary with this juice once I’m finished with the pickles.   When the world ends and the only thing left are cockroaches, Good & Plenty, and Peppered Pickle Sticks, you can bet your ass I’ll be heading to Gourmet Gardens to pick up where Peter Piper left off.