The Legend of the Double Eagle

One of the questions I'm most often asked (besides, "How do you keep your beard so lustrous?") is, "How did your Double Eagle Beef Jerky get its name?" For years, I've been content to let this mystery persist — usually answering with one of my trademarked mysterious smiles (which I do with my eyes) — but I believe the time has now come to tell the true tale.

Double Eagle: Origins

In the decades before I metamorphosed into the trapper you know today, I found myself in the California territory trying my hand at some gold prospecting. In those days, the U.S. minted a $20 gold coin known as the Double Eagle. At the time, $20 was a near fortune, so the folks who carried these coins were considered quite wealthy.

Seeing as how I'd spent most of my days in the wilds of the Oregon Territory, I was unaccustomed to the ways of civilized society. Most notably, that proprietors expected prompt payment once services had been rendered. Back then I was what you might call, "cash poor," mostly because I had no cash; and as such, I was unable to purchase the essential items required to stake my gold claim. Fortunately for my entrepreneurial dreams, while I may have been "cash poor" I was also "jerky rich."

Beef Snacks Are the Ultimate Currency

During my previous years of isolation in the forest wilderness, I'd become quite good at making beef jerky. And in anticipation of my southerly journey, I'd stocked up my beef jerky supplies and — I say this without bragging — it had been a particularly good batch.

Upon my arrival, I quickly came to understand the serious disadvantage I faced without access to hard currency. In that moment, I experienced the first of what would be many strokes of genius. I pulled my remaining strips of jerky out of my possibles bag and cut them into generously sized circles, the exact size of a double eagle coin. Once finished, I marched into the local mercantile, collected the supplies I needed, and presented these jerky discs to the owner as payment.

The man looked at me with a quizzical gaze, paused for a moment, then bit into one of the coins as one might bite into a hunk of gold to determine its authenticity. Once he tasted the jerky, his eyes closed in delight, and after taking a moment to savor the divine flavor, he accepted the handful of coins and allowed me to leave with everything I needed.

The Start of it All

I soon lost my enthusiasm for prospecting—the open outdoors had always been my first true love, after all. But the experience showed me my true calling lay in the beef jerky arts. And soon after, I began laying the groundwork for my smoked meat empire.

Some years later, the first product I delivered to market was those same coin-sized jerky slices that had delivered me through a tough moment. I named them the Double Eagle as a reminder that as long as I stayed committed to making the world's finest beef jerky, I would never want for anything ever again.

Life Is Sweet With the Teriyaki Double Eagle

Over the years, the Double Eagle has taken on many forms, each one shaped by a different mood, a different season, or a different craving on the trail. The Teriyaki Double Eagle, for instance, brings a touch of sweetness balanced with a savory depth that lingers just long enough to make you pause before reaching for another piece.

It’s best enjoyed during a long evening by the fire, when your work is done and all you have to do is sit back and watch the stars. The Teriyaki Double Eagle demands that you stop and savor it, and that’s a life lesson worth remembering on or off the trail.

Peppered Double Eagles Have the Edge

Then there is the Peppered Double Eagle, a creation for those who appreciate a bit of edge in their eating. Each slice carries a bold crust of cracked pepper that complements the rich flavor of smoked meat, just like you might find on your favorite porterhouse steak. It’s the kind of jerky that pairs well with tall tales and strong opinions. The kind that sparks conversation and keeps a gathering lively. It’s elegant, it’s exciting, and it’s just plain classic.

Or, Stick With My Old Fashioned Double Eagle

For those who prefer tradition, the Old Fashioned Double Eagle stands as a reminder that some things do not need improvement. It is built on the same principles that guided my earliest efforts: quality meat, careful seasoning, and the steady patience of a slow smoke over real wood fire.

Each bite carries a sense of history, a connection to the simpler days when you didn’t have to wonder whether your beef jerky had ever seen a hint of real wood smoke (and trust me, you can taste the difference).

The Incomparable Hot & Spicy Double Eagle

Finally, there is the Hot and Spicy Double Eagle, a variety that does not shy away from making its presence known. Like my decision to use jerky as currency, I knew that this hot & spicy jerky would be for those not afraid to take a gamble. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who embrace it, the reward is well worth the journey.

A Legacy Worth Telling

So there you have it, the mostly true story behind the Double Eagle: a tale of necessity, ingenuity, and a whole lot of jerky. What began as a desperate attempt to trade flavor for survival became the foundation of something far greater, a reminder that fortune does not always shine like gold, but it certainly does favor the bold.

And if you ever find yourself holding a piece of my tender Double Eagle Beef Jerky, take a moment to appreciate not just the taste, but the journey it represents. After all, a good story, much like a good piece of jerky, is meant to be savored.